I have always viewed LSC as a guy that is good to have in a division to help make it a solid division. Never thought of him as an elite, but a good win on a resume for other fighters if that makes any sense. I can't stand the talking that he does though and I just can't cheer for a guy that talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. I guess he knows what we know...that he loses to all the top guys.
That´s the thing. He went on a tear at 118. Then they built him up against good names while moving up in weight. And then there were nothing but tuneups, but! He would face someone good between all those tuneups(the Danny Garcia model). But it´s been nearly 2 years since Emo Cruz fought someone good.
Let me ask you this question Paranoid Android, Does LSC belong to Golden Boy Promotions? If so, then that's the reason why he didn't fight big name fighters. You know what I mean?
He has underwhelming skills for the length of time, title fights, record, etc. that he has. Having said that, Santa Cruz is very underrated. His resume doesn't seem to get it's due.
Also want to add that it has been a dramatic turnaround from the fans POV with Leo. He started off as a huge hit and fan favorite when he arrived with his big 2012 and for a good year or two after as well.