I think that you are correct about the players being wrong.
Of course Cline & Jones are happy with Mooney. Their perspective is biased because they experienced personal benefits (they played key roles). In other words, for them, their time with Mooney was great! Ask many others (Paul Friendshue or Solly Stansbury might be couple of examples) and I am quite confident that you won't get nearly as rosy a report. This just makes sense.
A second piece of significance regarding guys like Cline & SDJ could well involve them angling for their future. It won't be very long and both of them will be looking for work. Everyone knows that former players very often find work with the help of their former coach. They may well be personal friends with Mooney, that is their business. But, there is likely more to it than just good will.