players always switched teams frequently since the beginning. When salaries increased some teams dumped them. Or richer teams would buy contracts to get a shot at the series. Flood’s effort let the player have some say over going to other teams, not just the owners.
I agree with your take to a certain extent. Players were always moved around from the start. As it relates to players having more of a say, I think that was an admirable goal.
My problem is that pretty soon all big talent moved around after being on a team for a few years. Today you can’t find long term players who have been on the same team for several decades.
Contracts went through the roof. I’m not convinced the game is better off for it.