Which part of the topic did I miss? I tried my best to read through the thread but I may have missed something.
I disagree that the passing level is normal especially since you have a 1k salary player that can be ignored. Have you had experience with 16+ passing? If not, I suggest that you try it.
I only assumed those skills, but my point is that the difference between 90k salary and 10k salary si not much bigger than 10k salary vs 1k. I guess 90k salary has level 16 primaries, 10k salary has level 10 primaries and 1k salary has level 4 primaries. Difference between 10 and 4 is bigger than 16 and 10 in terms of skill level. Hope this makes it clear.
Overall, I still think that you are the favorite to win, but the game is not 100% win for you.