I think a lot of 'it' ('it' being some of what people are complaining about) can be attributed to a young and developing team... we (speaking as a fan) have a lot of expectations of 'our' players, but the truth of the matter is that 'our' talent are kids. They need time.
Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, Eberle, Yakupov, and Schultz are good, but it will take time for them to 'bring it' in the NHL (its not like they have been around for 6 seasons - when you add all their NHL experience up, they barely make 6 seasons combined). I get as frustrated as anyone, but I am trying to see beyond it. In a perfect scenario Hall and company would be surrounded by a good team, made up of good seasoned players - where they could play without having the game resting on their shoulders. But the reality is the Oilers are in a similar situation as Chicago once was, and it took time for Chicago to get where it is (I recall thinking of Chicago: "Why aren't they better?" But, the team was young, without a lot of promising veteran talent).
I am well aware of how long it has been since 'we' last tasted success, but I try to find some solace (and its not always easy) in the fact that this team seems to be on the cusp of being very good. And perhaps that is part of the frustration.
There are adjustments to be made to the team, but I am not a fan of proposing trades... 'cause its about as useful as dreaming what I would do if I won a lottery. I am not always in agreement with Krueger (for example: Smyth on the top line, sitting Nail yet overlooking Gagner's 'gaffs'), but I like that he holds some of his 'vets' accountable - and, for better or worse, I like that this team is now Hall's. Tambellini gets a pass from me because I believe Lowe is still very much in the driver's seat, and I have never agreed with Lowe's conception of the 'new' NHL.
In the end, it is the rollercoaster that many of us expected coming into the season... with all the ups and downs (at least until we got a whiff of how how good this team could/will be). And we are not alone on the rides, The (F)Lames' fans are on their own rollercoaster (perhaps the 'drop-of-doom'), as are Canucks' fans (a rather anti-climatic rollercoaster that is nearing its end), as is every other fan in the league. And I do enjoy the ride.
And the thing I like most about it, success will taste all the sweeter when it is finally realized... I would much rather see a team that 'we' grew find success than one acquired.
Its been two years now since I made a bet that the Oilers would be the next Canadian team to win the cup. I am feeling more confident about it now than when I originally made it. Last night's game against Chicago did nothing to deter my confidence.
