AVB has made us difficult to score against. He deserves credit for that. However, has it been at the cost of our attacking fluidity and lack of goals? Probably. It has certainly made us significantly less entertaining to watch.
Is he in the middle of a grand, masterplan? Some seem to think so. Others see no evidence of this.
Regarding Townsend, I think AVB is endeavouring to restrict his natural attacking inclinations. Much like he has done with Lennon, who looks a shadow of himself under AVB IMO.
Regarding Bale, some think AVB deserves ALL the credit for his performances last season. Others point out that Harry was the first to play him through the middle and all over the front ( in spite of chants of " Bale, he plays on the left"). Personally, I think Bale himself turned himself into the superstar by his many hours practicing his free-kicks and shooting with both feet. No one deserves the credit for that but the man himself.