I agree with what you say, but I think there are two tiers within that group of 7. I'd definitely place myself in the second (lower) tier - unfortunately, I'm not quite ready yet.
I'd say Fumoffu/Otaku/Zenigata/Sapporo are clearly top level, and aisteru/Kyoto/my team are behind 'em.
Fumoffu/Zenigata/Otaku still have the cup, which makes games interesting - but unless they can pull off some mighty big upsets, that'll end this week. Which will let them focus on league games.
I'd say I'm still a season away from being a true contender (and there are probably a few in the same boat as me).
It's definitely nice to be more competitive this season tho'.
http://with-malice.com/ - The half-crazed ramblings of a Lakers fanatic in Japan