When to assign skills

[Spyros]

I assign my players' points until they are just a point away from their next star because gaining a star will greatly reduce their training speed. That also puts them on the negotiations list so I can get tokens for my players.

Also, if you save it until next season, you can renew contracts for cheaper, and then assign the points.

Nice tactic.
I know when a player hits scout he gets less skill points to improve....but does it really matter for players with 5 stars or below?