My biggest gripe (I know you addressed it to Y2K, and I'm not trying to speak for him, of course), is that if management had handled things properly, there'd be two to four more good prospects in the system right now, and several fewer bad contracts.
I think this issue is at the heart of much of the disagreement between management supporters and critics.
Supporters:
The prospect group is excellent and also sufficient to form the core of a contender. Continuing to draft well with the standard number of picks will get the job done.
Critics:
There are some good prospects coming along, but not enough to lead the Canucks to contention. Management has failed to recognize where the team is in its cycle and thus to acquire more picks, and continuing to rely on only the standard number will see the team top out as mediocre (see the Calgary Flames).