BR is and always has been on the front line of any incoming criticism, he is the first of many foils that shield the perpetrators of our malady; his theoretical departure would alter nothing mate.FSG can only continue their present methods of operating.
This sums it up matey. If the system and structure doesn't change, really does not matter what manager you bring in.
I think FSG are at a crossroads. They can choose, as you say, to continue on current path, but they will quickly turn a very smart fan base against them. Negative publicity, protests, failure on the pitch turning fans away from match days...all that hits their pockets and they would be foolish not to take note. Or, they make some crucial changes.
If FSG are intent on pursuing the "buy potential and develop them into top players to lead LFC to success", then they need to understand a few fundamental points.
There is no need for for the TC. They can still pursue the youth philosophy if they have a competent DoF working with the manager and an effective scouting system. I don't totally disagree with the idea, in a world with FFP, that was an understandable path to follow and it could actually work, but we're not targeting enough good potential and that's a failure of TC and scouting.
Crucially, once the youth quality is identified and developed, we have a system that makes it tough to hold onto them. Sterling is an extreme example, but if they want to skim on transfer costs, then they need to reinvest saved money on wages. Looking at club books suggests we can afford it.
I also get a sneaky feeling that there are a lot of internal politics at play, which smart owners normally use as a "divide and conquer" tactic. It prevents a united revolt against owners. The figures on TC will also be doing the best they can to hold onto their pointless positions. All that behaviour needs to go, and that's in the hands of the owners.
The rigid structure also needs to be relaxed to be more flexible so that we can bring in one or two experienced players, because looking at the current team, we have no leaders. It doesn't mean we have to pay over the odds, but Houllier bringing in McAllister and Hamman were little master-strokes. Those players stabilised the team, provided guidance to emerging youngsters and proper leadership on the pitch. They didn't cost much money either.
Another option of course is to change strategy completely and invest heavily in top players, which I would welcome with open arms - though it seems further away now than last season.
Before anyone slays me for not hanging out the "FSG Out!" flag, I'll add that I'm trying to be pragmatic. FSG aren't going anywhere for a little while so I'm thinking out loud on what the club could do to compete next year. Nothing I'm suggesting is beyond reasonable tbh.
The last option of course is they take a hike - either because fans turn off and protest, or fans walk away hitting their revenues. Simple choices.
