[CompSci87]

Do we really need to give people a 5th year if they're not important physical (as opposed to emotional/leadership) contributors? Or are we better off having 2 more scholarships to offer next year?

We don't need to, and we don't. Tara has made it clear that a 5th year isn't guaranteed. Remember even Ruef was set to walk on for her 5th year until a scholarship opened up due to medical retirements. Ros GO got a 5th year only because Diggins went to ND. Michelle Harrison didn't get a 5th year and transferred to Utah.

Whether we're better off taking a new recruit this year or waiting until next year and giving a veteran a 5th year depends on what players are available and admissible in each class.

[CompSci87]

Do we really need to give people a 5th year if they're not important physical (as opposed to emotional/leadership) contributors? Or are we better off having 2 more scholarships to offer next year?

We don't need to, and we don't. Tara has made it clear that a 5th year isn't guaranteed. Remember even Ruef was set to walk on for her 5th year until a scholarship opened up due to medical retirements. Ros GO got a 5th year only because Diggins went to ND. Michelle Harrison didn't get a 5th year and transferred to Utah.

Whether we're better off taking a new recruit this year or waiting until next year and giving a veteran a 5th year depends on what players are available and admissible in each class.