I prefer the first too. I started managing 2 more teams, one of which was left untouched for 2 seasons, without any signings. Mostly to try and learn this game more quickly. TBH, it only brought more confusion then anything. Teams left unmanaged do well, as long as their on top qualitywise. On individual matches I don't know, but as for league standings, most teams seem to end up more or less where they should given their avg quality. My experience so far lead me to believe it doesn't matter much how you manage your team in the league, avg quality does.