i think the thing with david villa is, that you can't rely on higuain only - as shown against lyon. when he has a day off, there is no one to replace him...really replace him. cause neither benzema nore raul provide the kind of danger or goals that higuain currently does. for a team aiming as high as real, one great striker just isn't enough. therefore - and with the departure of ruud, the possible retirement of raul and the likely sale of benzema due to the reasons you meantioned - i believe the socios want someone like david villa, who would bring both goals and experience in addition to a 22y old who's still very much in his development.
i agree with regards to the midfield as the weak point...which is why i'm not that surprised about david silva & fábregas being priority for the socios. but baring that in mind, as well as the resent aquisition of benzema and the latest break-through of higuain, david villa still coming third with around 47% is quite a statement IMO.
as for andy cole...it's MARCAs mistake, not yours beast