True the QB is typically the leader and face of the team, however he is another player waiting for his chance to start. Most players have to earn their chance to start and prove they belong. Rodgers hasn't done that yet, period.
Now true, it would take alot to unseat Brett from the starters chair, and to be honest probably no one could. However, he hasn't been dominate in past TC and in his opportunities to play. And in reality, we have no idea if he can take the reigns.
So why coddle the lad, instead make him earn the right to lead the Packers. The Packers are doing a fine job of that themselves by not bringing in any veterans to compete with him. Now the media is going to make it out to sound like "poor" Aaron has to wait.
To his credit, he sound to be handling it properly and has a good prespective on it. Why can't the media have the same. His chance will come.
Of course Rodgers should have to earn the right to start. But the best he can do right now is earn the #2 spot, and he's done that. He's working very hard, improving his strength and conditioning, and performing well in practice.
I don't see how you think he's being coddled. Do you really think management should spend the money to bring in a quality veteran QB to compete for the #2 quarterback spot? Would any decent veteran have even the slightest interest in doing that anyway?
When and if Favre retires, it might be wise to bring in a veteran to compete with Rodgers, although as Cal2GreenBay has said, it is only natural for the team to want to see what they have with the player they've invested so much in already. If he was playing badly or he was loafing, I would think differently, but he seems to be holding up his end of the bargain. So I would say that yes, he is earning the right to be next in line when Favre leaves, just as he earned the right to be drafted in the first round. It goes without saying that he will have to continue earning that right. I don't think anyone will argue with you on that point.