A lot of what you are saying is correct in hindsight. However, my issue with statements like this (first bold) are that I had heard that we needed a re-build and that the Wings were too old and had to tear it down since 2003 after the Ducks swept us. If a fan screams re-build every single year, eventually they are going to get it right. Just imagine if Holland tore it down in 2003 and traded Lidstrom and co. we do not win a cup in 2008. By 2010, that became the cliche thing to say about the Wings. If people were tearing you apart for saying that, I have to imagine its because they were sick of hearing the same thing every single year for a decade.
There is no doubt that once Lidstrom retired and we struck out on Suter, a re-build should have happened, its such a tricky place for a franchise to be in when their team is declining especially due to a retirement or UFA departure, it actually reminds me very much of what the Toronto Raptors are going through right now with Leonard leaving in that some want them to tear it down now, some want them to see what they have, or even just replace Leonard next off season if possible.
The Abby contract was awful, no doubt. I want to be clear, I AM NOT defending that contract Holland could have easily signed him for 3 or 4 years. I agree with most of what you are saying about him with the exception of the hyperbolic parts I bolded in the last paragraph. Abby was once a good role player that could contribute here and there in the top 6. Once he signed that contract, everything changed for him, which is what it is.