We keep signing those guys, and nobody should really be surprised when they get minutes. Last year was its own thing, it would be very hard to make the argument that it was time for Dickinson, Elie, or Gurianov right out of the gate. But these things go in cycles and the Nill default is to assume these players can't when we saw last year that at least Elie can.
As it sits right now, there's a spot for one of those guys so you could get what you want. I think leaving open a spot for one and letting them fight it out is perfectly fine, and to be totally honest, you have at least 2 spots open because it's not like Pitlick's spot is guaranteed. With the increase in the minimum, Pitlick can go to the NHL with his full cap hit removed. Even if it's not him, they could waive Cracknell easily for the AHL.
I'm not saying any of this is locked in stone, but I think we could all agree these guys are very likely a lock for the Top 12: Benn, Seguin, Radulov, Janmark, Hanzal, Spezza, Roussel, Faksa, Ritchie, and Shore. It should come as no shock to anyone if Pitlick, McKenzie, Cracknell or Floyd spent time as extra NHL forwards or in the AHL.
Now I understand you're saying a coach isn't going to take a chance on a rookie, especially Hitch, but I don't know that I buy that. I personally don't think GM Nill is going to let a guy with waiver eligibility play 10 minutes in the NHL, and Hitch played rookies in STL. There's absolutely 2 uncertain spots in the Top 9. I fully expect Janmark (health willing) to get one, but that might not happen. I think Ritchie or Shore probably steps up too, but there are holes if a guy has a big camp.
I'm honestly fine with the way the team is constructed this year, and as far as I can tell we just don't agree philosophically on developing guys as Top 6 AHLers or 4th line forwards in the NHL. I don't think you're wrong that it could be effective, but I don't think that means it's the only correct way.