SoTier, this is SoLike you...
You think a team that hasn't had a franchise QB in 18 years, and hasn't taken a first-round QB since 2004 isn't doing due diligence when it comes to QB prospects?
You think a GM that watched all his predecessors FAIL because they couldn't secure that critical piece of the puzzle isn't zeroed-in on that one aspect of the game?
Wow...
You're right about one thing... For a legit tank to go down, the FO would have to be all-in... The Owner, GM, and perhaps HC would have to commit to it with the understanding that a top-3 pick was the goal. -Nothing else.
I've never said once that tanking was a certainty... I've just insisted that if there was ever a time for a new GM/HC combo to do it, it's NOW... If Beane wants to mortgage the future by trading away picks to move-up, he can do that...
I call it unwise for a rookie GM, but he can do it... There are MANY ways to pull off a tank if you're 100% committed to it... Whether it happens of not, it's definitely an Idea who's time has come.