Since when does one good act constitute a good game.
And where did anyone say he had a good game?
While we all get the the so called role excuse they make up for him surely the expectation is for more. If not the bar is plainly set way too low.Same goes for McIntosh unlike Ed Langdon when was the last time a team put a player on McIntosh trying to curb his influence.It has never happened. And people should not kid themselves Langdon works hard both ways as most good mids do.
I reckon its easy to deflect criticism simply by saying he performs his role while they never ever set a criteria for the role they never ever mention what they expect.Its just nonsense and it is so annoying that so many supporters just lap it up.
Just because no one has told you personally what roles EVERY player has doesn't mean there isn't one or they don't exist.
However, I do accept it very much suits your narrative to suggest that there is no criteria in place and it clearly doesn't matter what anyone says even the Coach you want accept it. Because in your world you are always right and everyone else is wrong.
I will admit that I'm in the fortunate position with the membership I hold thatcwe get regular pre-match briefings from the coaches. In those meetings it is explained what roles individuals have. I take it in and then watch if those players do what they've been instructed to do. Process then becomes simple, they do what they've been asked they've played a good game. They don't do it, then they've been very poor.
Now I get in your world it is your way or the highway and clearly the coaches have no clue but after 3 flags in 5 years I'll put my trust in the coaches and accept what they tell me.