If you really, honestly believe what you just posted above, then there's really no point in discussing it. I'm fairly confident that the sentiments that I posted are generally felt throughout the league.
It's got to do with me being an MLS season ticket holder and wanting to see a level playing field for all teams. If there is a perception, justified or otherwise, that one team in the league is treated differently than another, that could hurt the product and in the long haul, the league. In this case, the perception IS justified.
Do you think most MLS supporters dislike LA because of their success? I can tell you Dynamo supporters don't. We've had roughly an equal amount of success. It's due to the fact that the league has treated the Galaxy different than other teams to this point.
Now, you've accused me of being a Dynamo homer so I'm going to throw that accusation back at you. You've got your Galaxy blinders on so tight you don't see how your club is viewed by the rest of the league, how it's treated by the media, etc... If you refuse to believe this, then pull up a tape of the MLS Cup final and watch the first 20 minutes. Once you done that, get back to me on how anyone who has a go at LA is hyped up on "conspiracy theories."
TX Bill - no blinders. I'm very aware of how my team is viewed by other fans - we are quite hated. I'm very aware of the media attention we get (and NY gets, but hey, no one ever mentions that). Very painfully aware as many people do indeed bitterly talk about it, vent about it and gripe about it. I don't mind those that keep it to generally rivalries - but not this commentary around how the league loves us and we break the rules constantly. NBC and ESPN are going to choose to broadcast those teams with a brand/players/experience that are marketable. LA and NY are two of those teams. Seattle and Portland are also becoming media darlings as well for their fan support - everyone loves to watch 45,000 folks dressed in rave green going nuts.
LA is trying to build a global brand, the league helps market it, and I believe it helps the league. Yes, I do - a rising tide raises all boats. Do I think that means we suddenly win more games? No. Do I think we're breaking salary cap rules? No. Do I think it's preferential treatment from the league for games? No. Do I believe it's preferential treatment from media/marketing? Yes.
Let me be clear - I do NOT want to create La Liga, two mega clubs in NY/LA or frankly, the latest years of the EPL - where teams past the top 4 have no chance. But I think MLS is far from that due to its rules and parity. Example: LA is going to have to majorly overhaul it's squad in 2013. The cap will see to that, as will the expiring contracts of several players. We are not going to be a winner for years. The marketing will slow down in those "loser" years, and another team will claim the spotlight.
I also support the league. I pulled for RSL in CCL last year, I pulled for Seattle on Wednesday night. If LA gets bumped from CCL (no!), I will still watch to support the league. Just because I support LA does not mean I arrogantly do not support MLS (not saying you said this, but a lot of fans who hate LA do). Houston will play in CCL this coming year, I will support them.
Everyone loves to hate LA, and I get the past and the groaning around "the Beckham rule" and cap issues, etc. But at this point in 2012, I just wish people would make it about current rivalries and play. Not about the league cutting us a break. Example: LA plays this weekend, Seattle and Toronto do not, giving them an advantage LA doesn't have in CCL. The league didn't help us with that. I am seeing some teams finally start to move on from the conspiracy theory argument as they are getting their own DPs. The Toronto vs. LA CCL Big Soccer threads being a prime example. Commentary was on average about the two teams, not the marketing/league cutting them a break factor.
I understand what you're saying about the media, but I just don't see how you get around that. They are not going to treat all teams the same. RSL is especially put out this year - none of their games were chosen to be nationally televised - including the one vs. LA this weekend.
Call me a homer all you want, but the argument just exhausts me at this point. As also being owned by AEG, Houston fans are especially sensitive to this topic.
I meant no offense with my commentary - nothing personal.