I agree with you. I want those things too, especially if we'll get a meaningful answer (we won't).
That said, this was a national interview. No one outside of our fanbase really cares about those things you mention. Smith intentionally took an angle that emphasized something unique, or at least nontraditional, that better suits the 95% of the audience that couldn't care less whether we will make FG this year or not.
Our local media, or the ESPN ACC-dedicated reporters, will push into the roster stuff over the next 60 days. Since you're not new to this, I'm confident that you already know we'll hear the uncreative questions from our local reporters asking for an opinion of every individual player based on position group/position coach. "Oh, it's Coach Coleman today. Let's go down the roster card and ask about Domineck, Ivey, Kennard, Clayton, Collins, etc."
- Q: "What freshman has caught your eye?" A: "They're all stepping up. See a lot of good things out of everybody."
- Q: "What does xyz freshman need to do to see the field?" A: "More consistency."
- Q: "You're old now. Are you a leader?" A: "I like to lead by example"
- Q: "Coach, how important is it that your team is healthy and that you have more depth?" A: "Not important at all. We hate depth." (just checking if you're still reading?)
Most of what we learn will be when Toe Meets Leather.