I wonder though if this attitude is actually perpetuating the image of the MLS as a lesser league when compared to European leagues.
If the MLS seriously intends on becoming a competitive soccer league then not only will they need to increase revenue and players salaries but they will have to fight off the poaching of their own homegrown talent.
The best example I can provide would be one of MLB small market teams that scout, draft, and then develop players only to see them sign with big market clubs such as the Yankees, Angels, or Red Sox.
By constantly losing young talent a team or league in the instance of MLS, is unable to build their brand and is therefore seen as a farm system to the bigger teams or leagues.
What can MLS do to bring the necessary revenue to be able to both keep its own talented youth players as well as compete for European players that are in the prime of their careers instead of promoting farewell tours of former soccer greats?