Well...no, because we completely wasted a season and our best chance of bouncing back by them employing Moore instead of now Premier League manager, Dean Smith
So it was a DM or Dean Smith either or choice in your view? That seems a bit myopic. Even if we had approached Smith and he had accepted/been interested, how can you be sure he would have got us promoted?
Villa finished 4th last season and 5th this season. When Smith took over they were only 3 points off the play-offs. The only difference this season was under Smith they lucked out/decisions went their way in the play-offs while under Bruce the year before they narrowly lost to a decent Fulham side.
Villa's run end of season run was almost entirely down to the form of McGinn (a masterstroke of a signing by Bruce don't forget) and Grealish in the midfield. If even one of them had been injured/suspended for the play-offs they would not have been promoted.
He did absolutely nothing there last season that most managers wouldn't have done. I for one didn't want Smith and I'm glad we never appointed Smith.
As to Bilic, a think it is an excellent appointment. He wouldn't have been my first choice, but I still have no complaints. I fancy next season to be a memorable one and for the right reasons!