Yes, Juni/Sarvas would have gotten expensive, but they had a few good years left IIRC and earned it. However, was it Gerrard who broke up the tandem? I think it was around this time when it seemed like the Gs started their practice of getting rid of fan favorite/heart and soul tyoe players.
I know we just have different philosophies on outside backs (or defenders in general) but I don't know too many people that would agree that Ashley Cole has an unearned reputation for being good going forward. Most modern fullbacks are asked to join the attack; it's not their fault if they are caught up-field in transition as 1) there should be a plan to limit transition opportunities 2) there should be coverage in the area vacated by the fullback, usually by a DM. Rogers is a better dribbler than Dunivant and better in possession; his overlaps will allow Pavon to cut in and do damage and limit the amount of ball carriage he has to do up and down the touchline. Which CBs would you take after Omar and Jelle (and AJ, who I have in there already?). Steres has been a good LA Galaxy defender over his tenure. Playing next to Van Damme in 2016 they had the lowest GA next to the Rapids. The next candidate would be Leonardo. (What's more shocking is I omitted DB23 altogether!) As for Saunders, with further inspection, he'd be my #1. He took over for Ricketts halfway thru the 2011 season and held the team down for two championships.