While I may have some of the same disagreements as others, your ratings are basically sound.
Rodwell or Gosling could become a positive surprise this year, with any luck.
We do need some more big grins, and we need some more height. Without Arteta and Cahill towards the end last season, we looked like a much different team than we had in November and December. In that respect, your original thesis: "wafer thin" is spot on.
If we could get four more big grins, have Gosling or Rodwell step up and get two more smilies in - which is pretty much what you suggest - I would feel much better about this coming season.