Yes, they (ST & widemen) should be at least scoring against bots or illegal formations or teams with a non-GK playing GK. That's just my opinion on how I judge my strikers. I had a "dud" last season but he came good this season. Just probably letting him get past his down cycle.
I agree that playing thru the middle even with wingers you are still able to score loads of goals. I used this last season, going thru the middle with a hexagon formation and was the second highest goal tally in my league. It frees up your wingers to find space. I have not tried this in the new season tho.