Having an option that allows you to control the minutes a player plays per game makes training and game shape handling way too easy.
I have an U21 NT and a full NT player, and a HOF 19 Year old SG, I'm still training them all. I need to keep their game shape in check whilst also winning games (usually..not this season) and ensuring they both get 48 minutes. I need that magic 60-70 minute range each week to keep their GS up and have then get 48 + minutes.
Having the option of setting minutes makes it way too easy for me to manage this. It takes the thought out of deciding who to play and whether to play them as a starter or backup. If I know I'm gonna blow a team off the park, I can play my other trainees as a starter and they'll get subbed after 26 minutes or so, if I know it's a tough game, I'll most likely play them off the bench, all this whilst the main trainee is playing his full minutes at PG.
I relegated a few seasons ago for training purposes cause I played this guy
(10058043) at PG all season. I'm doing the same again this season. Do I wish training was easier? YES! Do I want it to be? No. Cause then I can win and train at the same time. You can't have both. (well you can.. sort of, if you train them in the right position =D)
It's challenging, but that's what makes the game fun. You can't have everything handed to you on a platter.
I don't agree with the buyout price either, the auction format works just fine.