re: Are the top rated 5 star recruits really the best investment?

It's a fair question and one that has no objective answer. Probably about 50% of the 5* players pan out. High 3* & 4* guys fail at a higher rate overall, but there are WAY more 3-4* kids in play.

Sometimes I prefer the 4* kids as they still have that hunger whereas some of the 5s have reached the pinnacle...