I do remember trying to explain to my Dad at the time that everything Cal was doing in the early years "greatest night in UK bball history" etc, was geared towards recruiting. I remember defending one-and-done because it was always about the next batch of superstars. I remember believing in the idea that "they'll drag us across the finish line to a title".
At some point, and as you alluded, it became obvious that Cal was on this quest, I don't know, maybe to get into heaven, where it truly was "players first" over the team. He actually admitted this and no one took him at face value when after the title he said something to the affect of "i told Ellen we have ours, its about them now". He was telling the truth. Everything became about the players and "getting them out of generational poverty". A noble venture? Sure. But not in the job-description of UK's men's head basketball coach. Citing this fact on here at the time was evidently ban-worthy, though it eventually became the consensus.
One thing I'll say about Cal is that he never lied to us about his intentions with the program and his position. He told us exactly what he was doing and so many on here, and in the masses of UK fandom, chose to not believe him. "I cant hide you here" translation- my promise is that you'll start and you'll play alot, so if you don't play well you'll be exposed, but you will play thats my promise to get you here. "Position-less basketball" translation this is what fans will accept in order to play certain profiles of players in non-traditional positions so that I can continue to get the top recruits and continue my impact on ending generational poverty.
Do you remember when so many posters would say in reference to Cal and playing-time or starting positions "hE dOeSn'T pRomISe ThEM aNyThInG"!!! That was the main indicator for me during those days that they just didn't understand. Doesn't promise them anything, huh? So Quade Green just earned his starting spot over Shai Gilgeous Alexander? DJ Wagner just that much better than Reed and Rob? At some point he didn't even scout these recruits, just took the highest ranked kid and it showed. Anyone in their right mind could tell VERY early that Quade was no comparison to SGA.
Anyway, I could go on and on. It was good while it lasted with Cal, but it didn't last. Pope might not work out, but Cal was done here. I do think the board has softened on "hot takes" these days. And maybe you're right about Cal having someone scour the message boards for negativity and having some kind of back-channel action being taken. Certainly doesn't seem the case for Pope as he has been criticized on here as well.
Correct me if I'm wrong,
@UKGrad24 , but it seems you and I also had in common being a couple of old baseball guys. Maybe I'm thinking of someone else. I digress. Good to be back and good to be conversing with you and with all again.
