For me, while I would be disappointed if the Rams didn't win the Superbowl, that has no bearing on whether they made the right strategic decisions. The level of control anyone has on the infinite variations and influences on success or failure is limited. The Rams are controlling the part they can, and doing it right. They know they have to go off the traditional path in order to separate themselves from the field, otherwise they can just become the Cowboys (no playoff wins in 3 decades) or the Steelers (mediocre team that manages just well enough to have a winning record each year, but little more).
All any team can do is assemble the best players and coaches. There are things under their control and things that are not.
The biggest being injuries. The next being freaky plays or ref calls that change outcomes.
Whether the Rams win the Superbowl this year or not, the moves made by the Rams and where the money was spent was near perfect on a strategic level.
This league is designed for parity. It is designed to "punish" winning and to "reward" losing by means of the inverse draft and FA. I like it. It is one of the things that sets the NFL apart from all other team sports. That, and a hard cap on spending for players.
The Rams have NOT mortgaged their future just because of AD. They just have to continue drafting well, and make the right decisions about who to keep and who to let walk of their really good players. But, when a team sees a window to win it all, you don't just play it safe.
