The one thing I feel confident in, is if there is no trade then this team will not make the playoffs. Regarding the other stuff you listed, I could see some of it happening. Stats were posted on Twitter yesterday that Archer, Bundy and Smeltzer were really the ones who struggle when facing a lineup the third time through. Smeltzer is now in the minors so why not push Gray, Ryan, Winder, and others to go 6 innings?
Like CRF, the batting order changing every day bothers me and has since Rocco arrived. I strongly believe it led to their offense being horrific against the Astros because these guys need to be in a set rhythm and mindset going into the playoffs. There could be more to it and i'm just a fan, but it's just my observation.