Its not about the numbers coming in it was about the quality KR was announcing we would be signing top players, all business done early, and an ever varying number of players. KR does indeed talk a lot, and does like to overstate things a bit which is all fine. If you took all of what he said on face value you would indeed be disappointed. Personally I always thought it was a bit of reach what he was claiming but what is disappointing is the lack of a decent striking options so close to the season, plus I do question just what our player budget is this year.
Ledson was always going. Rothwell was a disappointment (I understand we are lucky to keep them etc but we are doomed to mediocrity until we become a team that can keep more of its players for a bit longer). Richardino was a good player and a shame we didn't sign (but we may have replacements who offer better value for money). Unless we sign Karacan or a good replacement Doughty might be a miss. Plus maybe we should have kept one of the strikers we let go if we are struggling to find replacements (to be honest after last season I am amazed we kept Obika).
Loan players are a big risk as we have found. Play well and they run the risk of being taken back to their parent club in Jan (often to be re-loaned to another club who stumps up more money). Having some loans are fine as they often add quality beyond what we can afford, but to be reliant on them in key positions is a risk. In the past we have been able to sign some of the loans at the end of the season I do not see this with the players we currently have. Therefore we are doomed to a massive rebuild either in Jan or next year (especially so given that we know our best contracted players leave each year). I wonder just what future are we building other than season by season maintaining our position with a hope we get lucky (which is fine but is not a mark of big investment).
I agree with your assessment of the players we still need, and the fact it is not a disaster. I also understand this is part of the game at this level unless you are one of the bigger clubs with good financial backing. I suppose I am just a bit disappointed that it is beginning to look like while we are an improvement over last year's disaster we really aren't pushing onward. This all comes back to the question of just what Tiger can afford and what are his plans mid to long term.