I don't disagree with some of your concepts. I can see some progress in Academy. For the SC United side, the base cost is half of last year's, in line with a national move toward fully funded Academies.
Not sure we'll ever get to a European model, as our top domestic professional soccer league follows a much different business/ownership model than what you typically see overseas. This is one reason why we have 3 leagues -- MLS, NASL and USL Pro -- that don't really cooperate as well as they might on competitive and player development issues.
(Also one reason why we don't have a promotion/relegation system.)
