I've engaged in this sort of mental gymnastics before. It's what we do as fans because we want to believe. No true fan roots for failure therefore when things go bad we look for silver linings and credible changes that provide hope for a better day.
However, this team lacks toughness, grit and a kill or be killed instinct. These traits can only be taught if your leader emulates these qualities. Manny never played the game and has not experienced first hand what it takes to win on the field. It is nearly impossible fo him to impart the toughness needed to consistently win and compete with the elite teams. He simply hasn't done it before and lacks credibility.
Too bad. I want(ed) him to succeed. But i realize it is never going to happen.
With that said, I am not in the fire Manny crowd. I am with the fire Blake James crowd and then let the new AD assess and make the changes necessary to turn this program around.