Well it's not about optimism, just ten Kate and I differ in rating those riders.
IMO Santander Yamaha (Haga, Corser) Ducati Corse (Bayliss, ??) and Suzuki (Biaggi, Nieto, Neukirchner?) have better riders.
But maybe I'm proven wrong! I wouldn't bet an €uro for Casey this year and look how it turned out!