I like step 3 in your plan the best
It was originally make more money, so Ricketts will spend more money, but I decided that wasn’t practical.
To me, that depends on your definition of "farm system". The 2014 minor league talent was arguably better, but the current amateur player procurement and development systems are much better.
Players only. For me the talent levels are not comparable, 2014 has significantly more high end talent, the money commitment allowed for more high end talent to be added. Putting the current farm system on like the 2016 team would have extended the window significantly.