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I completely agree that Z isn't Bavasi.  And I, too, am optimistic - in large part due to the success Z had while in Milwaukee.
The true measure of an organization isn't "can you do X"?  The true measure of a great organization, (IMO), is "can you REPEAT X?" 
At the moment, Seattle has a lot of 'potential', and precious little realization.  Heck - I was the guy lauding the strong rotation in 2010 because of the same basic 7 to get 3 situation after Felix and Lee. 
12 to get 5 sounds great to me, too ... unless it eventually winds up as 12 turned into 1.  The 1 would be an improvement over the past decade, (but certainly wouldn't create a dynasty).
Yes, it's going to be great if Ackley, Smoak and Franklin turn into Howard, Utley, and Young.  If you end up with Jacobsen, Cantu and Wilson Betemit ... not so much.  (and I would be the first to agree that the former is more likely than the latter).  But, since Seattle has been the place where hitting careers go to die for so long, I think some restraint on the visions of the future is called for.
I mean - seriously, over the past decade, Pittsburgh ... the losingest franchise in history has produced from within:  Aramis Ramirez, Jason Bay, Ryan Doumit, Nate McClouth, Andrew McCutchen, and Neil Walker.  They churn out a major league bat every other season - (and then let them walk as soon as they cost more than a buck ninety-seven).  Seattle has what?  Ibanez?  Does he even count, since he didn't get good until after spending a few seasons with KC learning how to hit?
Okay, there have been some successes AFTER leaving Seattle, (Jones, Choo, Cabrera), which only goes to prove the point that something has been bad wrong in Seattle in regards to DEVELOPMENT, (vs. talent selection).  I hope you're right - and think you're right - that those problems are likely in the past. 
I'm used to an organization that DOES succeed at development.  But, I also understand some of the top specs don't succeed, even in the best of circumstances.  People called Atlanta butt-dumb stupid for trading away Andy Marte when they did.  They obviously saw something ahead of the game.  But, they didn't win every trade, either.  (They rented J.D. Drew and gave up Wainwright and Marquis).  Remember that the Braves traded to get Kotchman (and Steve Merek) for Teixeira - (as Scott Thorman - their #30 pick from 2000 - (picked immediately after Wainwright)- was washing out).  Just fyi, Seattle didn't have a pick in the 1st 3 rounds of the 2000 draft, losing all 3 top picks in FA compensation.