a) There might have been a more effective re-distribution of talent pre-draft that in year's past but not dramatically so. There are always some players kept that aren't as good as some of the cuts.
I think there is still some fallout from last year's strong rookie class. A lot of good MLB players seem to be sitting in the farm teams because they are still under the activation thresholds. Because of that, I think we might be drafting a bit further down the depth chart than we usually do especially as concerns position players.
c) This league drafts minor leaguers really well. Not a of good AA talent or AAA talent slips through the cracks of the previous draft to provide more options for this one. Whatever we miss usually doesn't make the Yahoo! pool anyways.
That being said the waiver draft is never great. It's just about ticking boxes. You're basically drafting strictly for need from at least the 2nd round if not the mid 1st. If someone frustrated by the lack to talent than you might be trying too hard to find a diamond in the rough that just plain ain't there and making it harder than it is.