Not sure if this is supposed to be a sarcastic comment??? Not sure of your experience on the boys side but from our own personal experience, and statistically speaking, I am not sure that statement is very accurate. If anything, the last 11 years of boys DA have shown what a total disaster and failure the DA has been on the boys side. You should probably clarify which pathway you are referring to. The pathway to nowhere? Thus far, any sane or reasonable (objective) person can see that these clubs are not producing consistent, quality talent, with the exception of FC Dallas and maybe NY Red Bulls. However, those two clubs can/would produce talent regardless of DA status. Both clubs, particularly FC Dallas identify kids in their youth program, with promising potential, and look to help them find a true development environment generally in Mexico or Germany. Now with one of their top coaches getting the coaching job over at 1st team Xolos, it is likely that more kids will be encouraged to leave the US for better opportunities. Does USSSF like that FC Dallas does this? Not one bit but FC Dallas is the biggest fish in the DA pool. Can a DA system work? Of course. Not suggesting that it can't. Just saying that it is not working now and even a blind man should be able to see that. The reason that FC Dallas has been consistent at producing talent is that they are true to their core mission of development. And they have proven that they can do that and still make real money.
Their not so secret keys to producing talent lies in their tier system. Everybody knows and understands their role.
Ballers - Key players who, as soon as coaching staff feels they are ready, looks for opportunities abroad to develop further.
Chumps - Important role to keep system working. They complete the roster. Some will get lucky and play at a higher level, some will go to college but most will be pumping gas or flipping burgers by the age of 25
Fluffers - Just like in the movies, these players ride the bench and whose primary role is to support the team and make sure they are ready for the show. Parents put these kids on the team to boast at cocktail parties to people that don't know better.