I don't give a rat's behind about people who are "tankist" or people that only think the draft is the be all, end all. Show me a team that is built through tanking/drafting alone and I will show you a team that will never win the Cup. EVERY team in the NHL that has success has been built by a combination of efforts to assemble the talent. If you continually just draft and never make trades you will NEVER emerge. NEVER. Yes, of course you get value with picks. However, take the Miller trade - here is a former first round pick that has emerged as a better player than his draft slot and IF you make the playoffs and get him for a non-lottery pick, you have done VERY well if he fits into your group as they project him to. He may not work out - sure. NOT EVERY MOVE HAS TO WORK OUT PERFECTLY. However, you need a mix. Every team needs a mix.
The Canucks have had a lot of picks since Benning and team took over inclusive of more picks than original allotment this year. In fact, since Benning came on board the Canucks have been allotted 42 picks (6 years times 7 picks per year). Over that period his management team have had 43 picks. The false narrative that he and his management team have not had sufficient number of picks is not based upon facts. Next, between now and the next two entry drafts (2020 and 2021) a lot of change is coming to the Canucks...no question. There are not too many NHL calibre forwards in the mix and some will be moved - potentially for picks or as likely other assets. Asset accumulation is the key - not just picks. Further, making the playoffs either next year or the season after should be the minimum goal for this team which really started to re-assemble after the Sedins retired but was adding some pieces during that time.
I totally disagree with your "over the top of other elite competition". That is another false narrative. Yes, if the Canucks finish dead last the next two seasons and win the lottery each year (or even pick top 5 each year) then I agree, bad trade. IF one of those two years they are non-lottery, this trade tips decidedly in their favour. JT Miller is a GREAT pick up for a non-lottery pick and the 3rd this past year. You don't just from lottery team to NHL Champion with a "snap" of fingers - it needs to be a progression and the Canucks took another progressive, but risky, step but given history of the NHL draft and the nature of the player they received, it is a very sound risk they took.
As far as the Leaf fan bit, that wasn't from me....not sure why you said that.