Ok we are finally going somewhere in the discussion. My thing is I've never seen anyone brag and belittle anyone for not having enough trophies (unless you consider team showcases and updates bragging). Players obviously will be angry if the game changes without warning.
My other big thing that I wanted to communicate is there is no way this game can ever be fair, think about it. Even if you don't manipulate, tank or whatever there probably are 3 or 4 teams in your competitions that do and this will affect your season, results and overall enjoyment of the game. Our options are to quit or adapt and survive.

I myself have never manipulated (I will the next season) and I've tanked 2 times in 2 years. My champions league is filled with higher level teams and tankers. even thou I did not do any of the things that you deem bad I still got an unfair draw (we have had many discussion about plus 1 competitions).