I haven't read this thread yet but I've been thinking a lot about this (obviously)
I think a rational, reasoned response to this is to try one thing first - if it has not already been done - Brands or someone on the coaching team needs to tell Silva to adapt his management style a bit - he's still a young manager, I hope he has the maturity and sense that he also needs to learn. Here are the big three problems in my opinion, which, if he changes, will make him still the best person for the job:
1) LEADERSHIP on the pitch and his demeanour on the touchline
He's criticised for being quite passive and serious, and maybe even quiet, while he's on the touchline. In a team which currently doesn't seem to have on the pitch leaders, he should be more animated, shout more, instruct them, and keep talking to the players. He could encourage both Coleman and Digne, who are his leaders, to talk more, because they're gonna be closest to him on the pitch. I know this is a controversial choice, but I think in games like Bournemouth and Sheff Utd, Davies would have been a good unofficial captain or player, fresh from some good wins for ENgland U21 - certainly better than Schneiderlin.
2) TACTICS
Can Brands not direct him to consider a new formation which is more suited tot he players? As his boss, doesn't Brands have the responsibility to instruct him a bit? I know this is senstive, as Managers / Coaches get really touchy about being told how to set up the team, but I thought a DoF is supposed to have an overview, and particulary as he is now on the board, Silva has to take suggestions or questions from Brands seriously. Point is Schneiderlin doesn't work in any kind of 4-2-3-1 - and Gana made him look better than he is. He's a nice player, but I think just doesn't have the energy, forward drive or speed for a 4-2-3-1, so why doesn't Silva adapt to a 4-3-3 with Davies, Delph and Baningime for now - both of whom would be better than Schneiderlin. The midfield 'pecking order' should be Gomes, JP, Delph, Davies, Beni and then lastly Schneiderlin. ( YEAH I KNOW BENI is a youth player and just back from injury but we need energy and bite more than Schneiderlin has
3) SELECTION
The tweaking of the team has become a bit weird. Earlier this year I thought if we are investing in DCL, then another young striker is a good idea, because they can compete as relative equals rather than a senior striker to come and just overshadow DCL. This is fine to chop and change between Kean and DCL, and make them fight for their place. Iwobi, Walcott, Bernard, Richarlison, Siggy are fighting for the other 3 places, and I just thought that even though Siggy was our best player, this was the best time for Bernard and Iwobi to both play and drop Siggy for a couple of games against Bournemouth and Sheff Utd, where we need more pace on the counter attack. Bernard, Iwobi, Richarilson and DCL or Kean would have worked better, especially when Bernard and Iwobi seem to be full of confidence.
I'm just wondering whether Silva isn't actually a conservative defensive coach and that's why the attacking players aren't clicking.
4) COACHING STAFF
A lot of blame has to go to the assistants. and I hope Brands is checking on their work and skills. I love former players coming back to the club, but ourformer players have never had a winning mentality and postiive or confident outlook as EFC players or staff, so I don't know what they can offer apart from love and passion for the club - which is also important. I hope we have clever coaches.
That's all.