I see your point, but here is my perspective. Not saying I am right as I could be wrong.
1. I think it is more up to Daboll over MCD who plays on the offensive side of the ball. Sure MCD has final say because he is the HC, but my strong guess is daboll has a heavy influence on who he wants in the lineup/pacakges on the offensive side of the ball.
2. I can't say I buy the theory that Lee smith is in cause his intangibles, meetings, practices etc. There were many games he was inactive this year. Why would they make him inactive for half the games if that were the case?
3. I think the reason smith is inactive and active sometimes is because Daboll is a very game plan specific coach. Lee smith is obviously a great run blocker, and it seems like when the Bills want to run the ball more, he is usually active. (With the exception of last week)
In saying that, I think smith has been active the last 3 weeks so Daboll must like him better in the line-up over Kroft,at least of late.
But I have a hard time buying the theory that Smith plays because he is a locker room guy, and cause he is good in practice etc. If that were the case, I don't think he wouldn't be inactive for half the games this year.
I could be wrong, but just my personal opinion.