Farmer is not giving money to grow the budget. The fans are. And, he is absolutely subject to criticism if the budget isn't growing fast enough.
So, according to your logic, if the budget grows by one dollar every year, Farmer is above reproach.
I think one of Farmer's greatest weaknesses is as a fundraiser. I think he would make a great #2, behind the scene administrator. That may be why Troy didn't pull the trigger on him.
I think by any metric, Farmer is a completely mediocre A.D. I can see arguments why people think he is worse, but I don't see how you can argue that he is better. Our basketball and baseball programs are competing at lower levels than in our recent history. We have made two bowl games but I attribute that solely to Hudspeth and his staff.
Additionally, our facilities have not improved very quickly during his tenure. IMO
I think Scott is a good person, he would just not be my choice for A.D.