I have read the same threads as you, and I can't seem to find a lot of disagreement about the system.
Indeed, there are people asking to make more high levelled staff available, but I haven't read much complaints about the new system itself.
Personally, I think it's a good implementation. The number of high and low levelled staff can be adjusted at any time by the BB's when they feel the equilibrum is distorted.
The system forces the user to make more choices how to run his team financially. It creates an extra dimension.
Climbing the BB-mountain. Destination: the top.