If it were not for Mason Shippers would be most improved player this season. I suspect it's a number of factors - the slight change in formation making better use of his talents; being able to step out of the shadow of Bayliss; the extremely competitive midfield options or just generally him growing physically and mentally and getting used to the rigours of being a pro .Some of the through balls he's played in the last few games have been sublime and one Madders would be pleased with, let alone Bayliss.
Maybe he will dip at some point - he is quite energetic but still young and may feel the effects a few months in. Even seasoned pros can get that fatigue. But if he does need that rest it is reassuring the options we have available.
I think in terms of the fans on the whole they'll give 'one of our own' a bit more time (but that won't make them immune - Burge for example - but in terms of the management and coaches they have more to do. If you sign a player you're almost forced to play them to prove that you've made a good decision and not spent money on fees/wages unnecessarily. They don't have that pressure with kids.