To be honest with you, I was not all that impressed by mallet. Losing out on Pryor was a given. Even if Michigan had any other coach I still think he would have chose Ohio State anyway.
Like what has been stated, we have been losing to our greatest rival very frequently lately. So anything to be able to beat them.
I do not see it as selling out our identity. You have to be willing to change with the times and adapt to make yourself better.
I think this year would have been bad no matter what. We lost a bunch of starters. Did I picture it this bad? No, but I was thinking around 4-5 wins.
I also do not know why you call it a gimmick scheme? He has already taken one team to NATIONAL contention with it.
Within the last couple of years, teams with with gimmick scheme has giving your buckeyes fits. Illinois last year and Penn State this year comes to mind.
So to answer your question, I am not sure if it is worth it yet. I think it will be but only time will tell.