XtC,
I agree that retention is a huge issue. I also think signing kids with limited talent and then watching them perform at a sub-par level makes our coaches more willing to churn the line-up, primarily with younger kids who I feel are not appreciably better than the ones they are replacing. Occasionally they do find a Justin Rodgers; more often than not it is perpetual failure.
JJ playing so many freshmen is testament to this. PB did the same thing.