It is hard to say if a rider was going downhill or it was a mix of other ingredients like the role he was asked to play for his team, or injury, or poor team dynamics. A number of riders have shown great improvement since coming across to GE, look at Gerrans, Albasini and Impey for example. I think Cooke is showing the same sense of freedom now that he is racing for a "home" team and is being given some license to race in races (if that makes sense).
I reckon the selection of O'Grady and Cooke is a great thing. Meyer and Durbridge are champs of the future and no good flogging them at a young age in such a hard race. O'Grady will be a huge bonus for Goss and although I don't think we will see him in the lead out, he will dictate pace on the road and make running decisions for the team, using his great experience.
This could also be Stuey's final tour and there is a huge morale factor around looking after great champs. OGE did a good job with Robbie McEwan and I hope they continue that on with Stuey.