People say this sort of thing regularly but I rarely think there is much truth to it.
The classic example trotted out is the Tahs missing out on George Smith.
If Phil Waugh hadn't been a year older than Smith, I'm sure Smith would have been a Waratah. Sometimes it is just luck of the draw in terms of timing of when a really talented youngster comes through and who is already there ahead of him.
Another one is Dan Palmer. When he left the Tahs he was rightfully about the fourth choice prop behind some very good props and he was nowhere near as good as he is now. He left for opportunity which he got because he ended up somewhere that didn't have as many good props. Not because he went to a side that favoured youth or anything.
I think this is wrong in that you have to make about 5 changes each year to strive to get better.
To use the Dan Palmer example and a similar one at the Brumbies. I believe the Waratahs should have shown Tilse the door earlier when he has not shown the ability to improve. Maybe Al Baxter was kept around a year to long
Dan Palmer when to the Brumbies on the promise of more game time. He had two Wallaby Props in front of him. Ma'afu is now with the Force.
Scott Sio who some rate and bemoan he is was not kept at the Tah's. He was signed last year as an EPS player and was upgraded last year, last night he ran on for his first start and seventh game. Some rotation works occassionally and he was up against Jannie du Plesis and excelled. When Dan Palmer leaves next year a ready made replacement has been developed.