Just to throw out one more idea.

Run the contraction draft similar to the MONTHLY FA DRAFT used in RT leagues with some slight modifications.

1) Teams can draft in up to 10 rounds but must cut players who go into the draft in order to have draft picks. If you cut to 25 players, you get 10 draft picks. If you cut to 33 players you get 2 draft picks (rounds 1 & 2 only).

This let's the guys who like there teams as they are to keep as many or few as they want. The decision is in the hands of the owner, not just an across the board rule.

Weaker teams will likely cut more players and get more picks. A real chance for them to upgrade.

2) Use the draft order on records similar to the method used for the monthly FA drafts. Keep this order for the first 3 rounds. Then serpentine.

This way the weaker teams get a better shot at the more elite players but the teams who cut more players aren't penalized in the later rounds.

A better alternative would be to attract new owners and fill the existing clubs with new owners. Perhaps a 1 or 2 year price discount on taking over existing clubs with low PB values would help encourage managers to take over a weaker club.