It also depends on qualities of the opponents in general. In my experience, players with 2 less stars sometimes well play. Good performance is rare if the difference is larger.

When my teams were in lower levels, they lacked cash and sometimes acquired 3 star retiring free agent players as rotational players. My opponents in leagues were around mid-4 to low-5 star at that time. These retiring players were not likely the best players. But those who could successfully stay in the team were very consistent players.