In regard to finances and speculating I would say its a big no-no but Matt Damons the one I trust in regard to the clubs current finances on this forum. As a business rule I would suggest speculating to gain is not a good idea, my thoughts go straight towards Leeds United on this one.
I would have loved to see any of the young players mentioned given a run, but like you said its probably not the right time do be throwing them in, I just hope any players that do leave are at the very least replaced in the short term by loan players, with the hope that the young players can come thru next year or funds are found to replace them in the summer.
Suprisingly, Im actually very upbeat on the toffees at the minute, I actually think we have a decent chance of a cup run and climbing the league the second half of the season, we tend to be stronger in the second part of the season and the likes of Arteta, Jags and Rodwell could still find form, it looks like Felli and Saha already have, throw in a sprinkling of the likes of Coleman, Baines and Cahill when he gets back and its not all doom and gloom, but I always have been an optimist