[Goose]

Again, I think the best criteria is the simplest... do they help you win today because they are better than the upperclassmen who would otherwise play if the player didn't redshirt.

BC

I think you are right. Shaw also thinks you are right, and has said so on several occasions. However, I believe the reason you are right is not that "Simplest is best". In the case of freshmen, simplest is best because if you err on the side of caution and don't play them, nothing is lost. We are talking about a guy who isn't good enough (yet) to say that he for sure makes the team better. No need to rush, be wrong, and give up a year of eligibility. Others on the board seem  to believe that it would be an advantage to play Little/Sarell as Ogres or as field goal protection irrespective of that making us a better team. I don't agree with that. OTOH, when/if they become as asset that the team needs, even if it is game 6, they should play. Not before, because there is a cost.
If a player has already had a redshirt year, the situation is different. There is no opportunity cost to giving them a look, and it may be worthwhile. In that case, the real question is who to look at, which, as you say, may not be simple. But in that case, not doing so may not be optimal. It may make you better next year without hurting you this year. YMMV.

[Goose]

Again, I think the best criteria is the simplest... do they help you win today because they are better than the upperclassmen who would otherwise play if the player didn't redshirt.

BC

I think you are right. Shaw also thinks you are right, and has said so on several occasions. However, I believe the reason you are right is not that "Simplest is best". In the case of freshmen, simplest is best because if you err on the side of caution and don't play them, nothing is lost. We are talking about a guy who isn't good enough (yet) to say that he for sure makes the team better. No need to rush, be wrong, and give up a year of eligibility. Others on the board seem  to believe that it would be an advantage to play Little/Sarell as Ogres or as field goal protection irrespective of that making us a better team. I don't agree with that. OTOH, when/if they become as asset that the team needs, even if it is game 6, they should play. Not before, because there is a cost.
If a player has already had a redshirt year, the situation is different. There is no opportunity cost to giving them a look, and it may be worthwhile. In that case, the real question is who to look at, which, as you say, may not be simple. But in that case, not doing so may not be optimal. It may make you better next year without hurting you this year. YMMV.