I think you are just going to have to accept that not everyone is going to agree with you. Maybe the problem lies with you and not everyone else. Perhaps you need to present your points more clearly.
Times changes EG. You're only as good as your last game and all that. Perhaps NI was using the long ball alot more 2/3 years ago and, as such, by-passing the midfield's inadequacies?
It's difficult to break into a top ranking international side. ;) But to break into the NI side is another matter all together.