I'ev used the method 2 but it's not necessary to mess up the team.
My best 11 quality was 46.5. I've sold the worst players and bought 8 free agents with very low quality (3*30-32 + the crappy youngster, 2*).
So I started the season with quality 40.2 (-5.3!)
But after the draw I'm playing against a level 8 (mine is 6) with 44.5 qty
His best11 is 42 quality but honestly I was hoping for something better.
the cup draw isn't based on average quality.
My Team Zhikai F.C - Season 10
League - Champions: 7 , Runners Up: 1
Champions League - Champions: 3 , Runners Up: 2
Cup - Champions: 1 , Runners Up: 1
Season 6: Perfect League Run: 26-0-0!
Season 10: World Cup champions!