I wouldn't disregard the impact of a bad visitor locker room, I think there are a number of other factors that probably come into play. The treatment of the players (contracts, coaching, etc.) is important. Having a good relationships with agents is huge. Agents are more likely to point their clients in our direction, if they have a positive opinion of the overall organization and the community.
With the home game atmosphere, players like to have a full stadium with crazy fan support. Buffalo has a great atmosphere. Some of the posts knock the stadium. I've been to a number of other stadiums that don't measure up to what is already in place in Buffalo. If anyone doubts that, go to a game in Tampa, Jacksonville, or New Orleans (the Super Dome isn"t exactly super).