Does the buck really stop with Moyes...?

Looking at the limited squad we have, would a more ambitious manager get more out of them? Who would he play at right-back? Is there a striker alternative? Does he give more academy players a chance? Is he doing a lot wrong, or is he simply working within the limits that previous seasons and the last transfer window(s) have put us? It's really easy to sit at home (or in the stands) and say who should be playing, who should be on the bench, who isn't even in the squad who should be, when subs should be made, etc. but we don't get to see the outcome of those potential forks in the road, and hindsight really is a wonderful thing. Genuinely interested in knowing thoughts on this, without the usual "Moyes is shite!" calls (guaranteed to be at least one now).