Very good article and some good points.  Just want to point out one thing, though, about the supposed lack of parity in MLB.  Sure, there are the Kansas Citys, Tampa Bays, and Pittsburghs of the world, but take a look at the World Series winners from this century:

2000: Yanks.  2001: Arizona D'backs.  2002: Anaheim Angels.  2003: Florida Marlins.  2004: Boston Red Sox.  2005: Chicago White Sox.  

Also, the only repeating entrants in the World Series were the 00, 01, and 03 Yankees (only one of which they won).

Compare that to the "parity" of the NFL which still somehow has New England, Indianapolis, Denver, Pittsburgh and a few others as the top teams every year, while the Texans, 49ers, Lions, Browns, Cardinals languish at the bottom, even with all the advantages of revenue sharing, high draft picks, salary caps, and non-guaranteed contracts.  The NFL is definitely more forgiving to small market teams like Green Bay and Jacksonville, but just like MLB, you have to manage your team competently or you will suck, even in a big market (read: New York Jets).

I guess that kind of proves your point that the NFL is somewhat immune to criticism.