Lots of good observations, I really want to know what stat causes attackers to go for goal as well. I understand holding up the ball but sometimes I just want mine to take them on and go for goal as well. Might be bravery or aggression or creativity.

Your best chance to win a cup at your current level is to sell your entire team late in the season, buy a new team day 1 and 2 and go for it. You could also keep 3-5 academy players for a few seasons and leave those it the squad to really lower your average Q. It's sad and semi-explotitative but it will increase your chances.

And narrow diamond was so gross about a year ago, it deserved a nerf and I enjoy crushing those players that still use it