I was sceptical about the expansion concessions but I don't think they've been too bad, despite the impact it had on rebuilding clubs (and Hawthorn's accident of history

).
Fremantle are the cautionary tale of offering too little, but with that natural supporter base could ride out two decades of mediocrity and slowly develop. The Brisbane Bears are probably more apt - a team without talent in an expansion market is dead on its feet - and Gold Coast are proof enough that generous concessions are a fraction of what's required for success. Perhaps GWS would be a powerhouse with better drafting, coaching and culture, but those are more easily promised than delivered, and now, subject to the same equalisation pressures as the rest of the league, they've had to shed sufficient talent that a bad run of injuries has hit them as hard as it would anyone, and even at full strength they can be matched by sides with no advantages at all.
Further, that Essendon have been garbage throughout the expansion period is hardly the fault of head office or their favourite children.