Wouldn't say Masters is on the decline but I would agree with your comments on Becker. Cook, Howarth are declining, Hagon is going to struggle to compete with some of the other RS riders. Fricke is a good rider but will not improve so difficult to see how you can avoid the wooden spoon.
If Jye can reproduce the form he showed when guesting for Sheffield in the 2023 play offs and when he was at Belle Vue then Workington have made a very good signing. That is quite a big if though.
I think it is fair to say Becker is enigmatic, he was poor in the earlier part of the season but performed better later. Unless he can be more consistent he is not worth as place in the team.
Do not see why you would have Starke over Foord, Foord is only a fraction higher and cannot see the averages being so tight that would make the difference. I think they have other plans.
The Fords take risks all the time getting riders like Tobias Thomsen. You are welcome to Starke and Steve Worrall, both likeable chaps, hope they do well for you. What are sperstars?