There is where you differ to most, I would suggest. The squad left by Warnock was unbalanced, older and slower than most in the championship and where technique was a secondary requirement; he had spent big fees on it so little money for improvement; and he had been reluctant to bring in youth so couldn't utilise this as part of the rebuild.
Potter could replace Hughton at Brighton because they had fantastic, and proven, talent in their youth set-up and money to spend. We weren't there.
No one is saying Harris is doing well this year, and think your comparisons to Rowett are fair ones, but preferring Warnock or wanting someone from school of Pep is bonkers.
Tomlin was fit for Harris last year and our best player. Why wouldn't you offer him a contract?