Hi mate, to go over your points here when using the tactic in the new patch it was evident that there were too many shots from distance, this comes from playing a deep defensive line, so in order to create more chances it is important to snub this out by adding in the work ball into box and the shoots less often to player instructions.
Retain possession is something I like, it means that the team will keep the ball untill a real opening is created, I feel this is better than attempting to fashion chances by needlessly giving away possession. This option is always a double edged sword as on one hand you keep the ball better creating less chances, and the other hand you play more risky and are more open to counter attacks, but may score more goals.
Finally the deep lying playmaker, I felt that the defensive midfielder wasnt doing enough for the team, the counter attacking play was quite limited, so using the creative nous of a DLP remedies this, whilst protecting the defense with defend duty he will also look to play important defense splitting balls. Thus creating more chances overall.
Hope this answers your questions.