The only player I've ever turned my back on(I was against him since before we got him, in any case)
El-Hadj Diouf. (Lee Bowyer aside) You will not see in World Football a c*nt of such epic proportions for quite some time. For his many faults, Mario is not worthy of the same contempt as that shithouse.
But back to Mario
Although I agree with some of what you say, I just can't get over the feeling that he was also a major victim of a team that was not playing well as well and I still maintain that he dropped deep, went wide, pulled defenders and worked hard but never got the service or support he needed. Even when he held the ball up well, being up front on his own and having to lead the line with various players being brought in constantly, I would argue he never got a fair crack at the whip. Being up front on your lonesome, means you can be too easily played out the game and we've seen this with other players than just him when they've struggled. Seeing a Firmino and Coutinho hit some form and Emre Can now starting to look like a player (Lallana as well) if he stays and does not perform, then he can have no excuses, but if he stays and produces, then all the better.
Where we do agree is that although I can understand that if he got despondent, he should have just kept going and going and not dropped off. But that's not Mario's way and I have a feeling that there were a few players around that didn't exactly take to Brendan in the way we're led to believe. That said, everyone changes eventually and lets face it, he knows he's fucked up as well. The talent is there, that much is clear, so whilst no-one wants him, see what his appetite is, even if it's to get him to a stage where he's sellable, then it should be a clean sheet for this season and see what happens. If he goes, then sobeit of course, but while he's here, he's got my support.