I am toxic
. . . even in small doses
It is possible for a GM to learn from his mistakes. Benning can't seem to figure it out but you can't assume Lombardi is the same. Many GMs have handed out "retirement" contracts to core players that they've won Cups with. Also Benning has handed out sweetheart deals to non-core UFAs, so that's quite a different situation as well.
I agree Lombardi could learn from the mistake of giving out horrid contracts.
However, that is not my main objection to Lombardi - the character he displayed in treating Richards (for Lombardi's own mistake, as an aside) is what makes him a complete no go for me.
Sure, Lombardi could work to acknowledge what he did was wrong, take steps to remedy it, and redeem himself somewhat. But it's too late at this point, it was garbage behaviour and he has had years to address it and he hasn't, any attempts to rectify it now would just be false slimy window dressing.