I'm not sure we've ever adequately replaced Murray. I don't think Ulloa is as much a complete player. I have fond memories of Murray holding it up, drawing actual fouls rather than diving and playing lovely little layoffs. Are they rose tinted?
It really didn't. Poyet thought he'd replaced him with CMS and Hoskins. He was wrong.
*EDIT* I see you've slightly edited your point to one I agree with more but my point still stands. We brought in players but not a like for like or improvement.