When they raised it to Strong previously, they never mentioned anything about bringing the max to just below Proficient.
Well it was pretty easy to figure out that the 18 yo max was 7.99. How else would you get a cross-pop in the first couple of trainings for the player? So announcing a raise to strong definitely didn't mean 8.00. Whether it was 8.99 or lower - I don't know. I have never trained a 19 yo draftee.
I am not against speeding up training
Actually I am against it. I liked it better 15 seasons ago but that's just me. And raising 19 yo max starting skill has nothing to do with increasing the speed of training.
Do you realize that you are commenting (as whining obviously insults you and I don't mean to do that) about a very minor tweak actually. My speculation is that the change will increase 19 yo-s starting TSP by ~2-3 points on average.
The change announced may also mess up training for lower potential players. Have they seen this? A lot of rebounding as starting skill for guards? Also reduce number of players that otherwise could be a defensive specialist (punting IS/JS). And list goes on.
We are talking about an increase in those "undesirable" skills that is equal to several cross pop-s, which are random and one cannot control anyways. Besides you are contradicting yourself. The RB on guards / SB on front-court increase was actually my argument (and Alonso's) as to why those players might actually become worse, not better. And you are now using it with your main argument being that they will get too good.
I have no idea how to respond to that last part, so if you think 19 yo draftees will be too good you are welcome to spend all your draft points on them. If you think they will get worse - scout the 18 yo-s. That's the main point of this change - to give us more options!
BBB: 2 (S37 S38); Top tier: 7 (S35 S36 S37 S38 S39 S41 S63); Cup: 9 (S25 S35 S36 S37 S38 S39 S40 S41 S61)