The idea is to give the team the best chance to win next year and each year after that. The Sox are not going to punt 2015, I don't think anyone is suggesting they will or should. At the same time, I certainly do not think the Sox ought to be significantly compromising their 2016, 17, 18 etc. outlook in order to maximize our chances next year. Again, I do not see anyone suggesting that we should, tho the advocates of Betts or Swihart for Hamels (are there any such people?) might fall into this category.
In short I think most Sox fans expect the Sox to go "full push" each year and be in a reasonable position to do so.
On a different topic, there are a thousand combinations/permutations that could develop in the off-season. Safe to say the FO will surprise us. On the other hand, there is a reasonably obvious set of moves which seem quite achievable to pull off. Ie sign Lester (let's say 6/150), sign Miller (3/26?), Koji (1/8?) and Panda (4/80, 5/90?). Find away to dump/DL Craig/Victorino and run out Vazquez, Napoli, Pedroia, Panda, Bogie, Cespedes, Betts, Castillo, Ortiz, with random catcher, Nava, Holt and Craig or Vic on the bench. Find a 4th and 5th starter and some pen arms from the kids. I think the 60M or so in signings should meet budget or be close enough. BBref has the Sox at estimated 120MM now. Substitute Headley or even a Pedro Alvarez trade for Panda if you prefer.
My question is would folks be pleased with that off-season? I would be thrilled. IOW all I really want this off-season is Lester, then Miller, then Koji back in the fold and (being a bit greedy) an upgrade at 3b.