I think perhaps you have misinterpreted what I have said Scotty. I quite clearly stated that since the 3D match engine was introduced and not because of the 3D match engine - although if this is ambiguous what i mean is since FM has introduced the 3D match engine in 2009 that this problem with long shots has existed, not because of the match engine as you suggest.
I would also very much disagree with you on the rarely taking long shots making a difference - it clearly does make a difference from my experience and has absolutely nothing to do with off the ball.
To explain off the ball please read the following link
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/football-manager-2010/36537-off-ball.html
I can agree with the comment about defenders not closing down but that is why I have suggested through balls and players with creativity to find a gap through. (you can have all the players in the world going forward but if someone cannot find that final ball and is shooting instead it is therefore not going to work.)