I tried two pickup games.
In one game, I used the "inside box and one" tactic, and the best defensive player (best OD, best ID, best SB) in the lineup were set to defend as PG.
In the other game, I used the "outside box and one" tactic, and the best defensive player (best OD, best ID, best SB) in the lineup were set to defend as C.
For the inside box and one game, I cannot be completely sure, but for the outside box and one game, it seems like the best defensive player is probably the "+1" player.
Therefore, it is highly likely that my interpretation of those two games before is wrong.
My previous assumptions naturally do not hold.
I'm not sure if that's what you are trying to say, but from what I understand, regardless of the defensive positions the players are set up for the game, the best defensive player (according to the engine) will always defend the opponent's best attacking player, regardless of the set up position of the best defensive player and regardless of the position of the best attacking player. This will almost always disrupt the defensive matchups of the other 4 players, since they will play zone defense. However, I think box-and-one can be effective if well planned, specially against patient and isolation offenses. Actually, if well planned, it can be a kriptonite against patient. Just saying.