Short isn't playing Cotchin's role, they have very different games and game profiles. Short is 4 kicks to 1 handball, Cotch is much more inside and 3 kicks to 2 handballs (in rough terms). Short kicks long, Cotchin short etc etc. People expecting Short to be some hard man are kidding themselves, and not focussing on what strengths he brings. Nobody has the perfect game and this premiership team has been built around enhancing and encouraging players to back their strengths, not dwell and whinge about what they can't do.
We are definitely seeing a midfield in transition, more out of necessity than design, but it is in transition nonetheless. Baker, Short, Graham, Ross etc need time to be blended through while Cotchin, Edwards, Martin, Lambert and Prestia phase out, either thru injury or old age. And yes, we do need a Taranto or Green to bolster our mids as these guys either boom or bust. No argument here.