Good post and I would completely agree. I work down your way and one of the Saints fans there said exactly the same thing.
I think the difference with us is that if Keoman had really wanted to keep Stones he probably could have but given the money and that he wasn't looking the best last year or in pre season, it probably made sense to do the deal and bring in proven quality which we have done with Williams (especially as we liked physicality and leadership). Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku have all stayed whereas if the former and latter had been with Saints, there is a good chance that they would have moved on by now.
It will be interesting to see how you do under Puel as by all accounts you have been a little underwhelming, even though you have largely dictated games without putting the ball in the back of the net. I think you have had a solid window, as you always do, and our games will be a good contest as usual!