I'm not sure whether Cayless is part of the problem, but it appears obvious that your coach is part of the problem- this bunch is such a great team of individuals that aren't being fused together as a unit.
Four coaches couldn't get 'em going more than in fits and starts - you sure it's the coach?
The only way you can pin anything on Anderson is that he is still running with the team setup that Brian Smith implemented. Cayless as skipper - Hindy as defensive workhorse - other forwards playing a supportive role. Constrained halves, and no spontenaety. When Tahu was in the 4 jumper, we had spontenaety, with Inu outside, Hindy inside, Smith feeding them and Hayne bobbing up as the x factor. The result was beutiful.
Smith and Tahu are massive losses. We would also love Tony Williams as a wing option. Baffles me why Fitzy offered him $50k, and sold the farm to keep Finch on $350k. To be fair, Finch tries damn hard - I love his heart. He isn't a playmaker though. Unless Hayne or Keating step up though, Finch is the best in that role.
Anderson's direction of Mateo is a long term answer, and I reckon backrow is his best spot. He'll need tiome to develop, but once he does, he can begin to mould a new forward style for Parra. Curently, it's still Cayless and Hindmarsh, as it was when it began in 2000. Thank God for Fui. Wish other forwards would pick up, because when they do - eg against Souths, we are a top side.
On the captaincy issue - Stuke is dead right. Cronin wasn't skipper material. Price was. When Price retired, Sterling took over - and wasn't up to it. Then Kenny took over, again, fell short. All top class player - all had leadership roles at the club. Cronin's leadership of the backline onfield was brilliant. A captains job is different, though. Could never imagine the Crow firing up the guys like Price did.
Currently, as skipper, Finch is the only other option. He already has enough on his plate.