Sehwag, Katich, Watson, Prince etc are defying conventional wisdom by succeeding (to various degrees) in a position that conventional wisdom dictates as the preserve of "specialists."
You cant put it all down to flat tracks as all have achieved some measure of success in "reasonable bowling conditions."
IMO, the game has changed in that:
a. openers aren't simply sent out to take the shine off the ball;
b. opening bowlers arent generally the opposition's best bowlers; and
c. today's players are more comfortable starting against pace.
Thoughts?
Its a combination of all those factors that you mentioned. See VVS Laxman was forced to open for most part of his career in the 90s...and he was mediocre to awful. It wasnt until 2001 when he made the number 5 position his own and has completely transformed himself as a player. It was interesting to see commentators like Boycott, Greig, Chappell who criticized him earlier as an opener hailing him after his exploits as a middle order.
But I think, you send him now to open the batting, he wouldnt do a very bad job because in the 90s, he was facing Wasim, McGrath and Ambrose whereas now he would be facing Bollinger, Kemar Roach and Asif.
At the same time, I remember Ian Chappell's words before the Ashes this year. My favourites were Australia but Chappell said Australia would find it very difficult to retain the Ashes because they picked only one specialist opener in Hughes.
After the second test, he was dropped, and Watson partnered Katich. He didnt do a terrible job, got a few 40s and 50s, and Katich got a few 50s too I think but this really begs the question, would specialist openers provide Australia with a better start?? perhaps a 100 run partnership?? This once again stresses the importance of specialist openers!
Maybe they would...Watson is flourishing now against the West Indies, would he do so against Asif/Aamer/Steyn? We have to wait and watch I guess..
I am a bit undecided but I think Richard made an excellent point here
Being natural or manufactured is a completely separate issue to how good someone is. Though sometimes whether one is natural or manufactured can impact on how good someone is.