Yeah, fair enough. The problem with the whole "Grobe reigns" perspective is that when the offense manages to perform well, Lobo gets all the credit- including from Grobe. When the offense performs, as it usually does, like shit- Grobe takes the blame and Lobo is insulated. Fact is, Lobo is the OC. The other fact is that the same loyalty that Grobe showed in rebuffing Arkansas and likely other programs is the same loyalty that he shows his assistants. It became a two-edged sword, especially when things were going bad.
But good call on the "hate the man." Many said similar things about Coach Caldwell who, for many of us, has a character beyond reproach. Success as WF HC? Not so much. In times of woe, hyperbole can take hold and people say things like "I hope he gets cancer and dies." Things like that have been said of [Redacted], I'm sure. People don't actually mean it- they're just pissed we lost yet ANOTHER game.
Also, very good points. Shielding Lobo from criticism is what Grobe does. But, I do think Grobe meddles (even though I have never, ever seen him speak on the sidelines - telepathy?). If Wake had a top notch OC, chances are they would not react well to Grobe's meddling. That is why Lobo is the perfect sheep for Grobe.