I have been recruiting since I got on the waiting list. About half of my high levels I signed before the season even started. I convinced someone he would rather play on my team than his own, if that isn't a testament to hard work recruiting then I don't know what is.
It's certainly capable to recruit high levels now - hard - but capable. I've been rejected ALOT, but it's all worth it when that 17 WR finally signs with you. I'm so active on the boards and getting so much publicity now, I haven't actually recruited in a while. I get more offers of people wanting to join my team than I need.
If your not happy with your team, the last thing you should be doing is blaming others for recruiting better than you did. We're still in the offseason, free agents are posting every day, so get recruiting
.
Also I have no players on my own team so we're in the same boat.