Like Golly & Caff you mean ? or like Mann, Teasdale, Bagan or others who were discarded by the club (and, it has to be said - by the fans too) at one point or another.
And therein lies the problem ... Those who rate him are scratching their heads at why he can blow hot and cold, and those who dont rate him are scratching their heads at why others are bothered !
As I said above - I would indeed re-sign him if he is prepared to accept a decent offer in line with what other first team players get (assuming the club have actually made such an offer) but not if his (or his agent's) demands are that he be put on a par with Niculae as he doesnt warrant that.
with regards to your first point, golly and caff were loyal servants but became somewhat dispensable (dont like using that word but cant think of another) as we had cover in their positions. I for one was sad to see Caff and Golly go as they were/are players capable of playing in the SPL but i can understand their desire to play regular football. Unfortunately sentiment has little place in football today and as much as i dislike the fact, money talks and that often means loyal, genuine, decent footballers like caff and golly are as you said 'discarded'. Duncan has one factor on his side, that neither Caff nor Golly had - the fact that there is no real direct comptetition for the holding role, Blackie can play it but i feel he is of more use in an attacking role.
second point - couldnt agree more.