I get the sense some of the players (Rizzo, Heyward, Lester, Zobrist) create a pretty intense, work-hard, professional culture. And David Ross certainly did. I don't think that's the issue.
In the years I've been on this board (almost 20 now), we've never had a manager everyone was happy with. (Anyone want to trade Maddon for anyone else we've had in recent memory?) Joe absolutely drives me crazy sometimes, especially with his pitching changes and bullpen usage. But overall, I think he's one of the smartest guys out there (that alone pretty much negates the Dusty Baker comparison for me), his players seem to love playing for him, and he's achieved some pretty incredible results, this year included, IMHO. I'm glad to hear he'll (likely) be back.