I don't agree that it's a mirage, Jules.
Rafa was spot on 100%, of that I have no doubt.
Conspiracy is a strong word, but I firmly believe that Fergie's methods of bullying, cajoling and bribery have earned him and the Mancs huge support from all sections of influence; the FA, the referees, the media...everyone.
But Rafa's timing was horrendous; the dossier should have only been revealed once we were in a position of strength, because the moment, the EXACT moment we began to falter EVERYONE knew what was going to happen. Fergie would say Rafa had lost the plot, the FA or the media would insinuate that Rafa's 'rant' was aimed at disguising his own failings and inadequacies in the transfer market or in tactics or whatever.
The worst result was that Rafa's accusations, all of which were true, would be swept under the carpet where they've been festering and rotting ever since.
I firmly believe that there's only ONE Liverpool manager who could successfully do what Rafa tried to do, and he's the boss now.
But the effect of the previous dossier now means that the timing has become even more critical, and we dont have the strength to do it now.
Rafa didnt either, and his team was far stronger than ours is now.