You must be referring to 2012 for your 2nd point -- in 2011 the other two QB's besides JVB were Wienke and Rudock (Fr). Even in 2012 when JVB was a senior when Rudock (RS Fr) and Beathard (Fr) were on the roster along with two other since forgotten players. Of the two only CJ played any meaningful minutes in the NFL.
Iowa has not exactly been a hotbed for QB's - In 20+ seasons we've had maybe 4 QB's (Banks, Tate, Stanzi and Beathard) who could really move the needle and make plays when a play broke down. KOK probably had as much to do with three of those guys playing as anyone and now he's retired.
I just don't think Kirk's offensive philosophy is dependent on having a versatile, athletic QB -- unfortunately we don't have the playmakers at WR or RB along with the dominant offensive line play we had earlier. It's too bad cause our defense and special teams play are probably as good as they have ever been.
If Padilla or Labas is that much better or even as good as Petras I can't see Kirk not playing them -- otherwise he would quickly lose his team and his staff. We don't know that to be the case. If it is, then it's time for some big money donors to go to Barta and tell him Kirk needs to go.