Though it has been a disappointing 3 years in capturing another Lombardi trophy (but you have to be grateful and appreciative to the front office and team for this stint), there are better days ahead. With a great owner&front office, a nucleus of playoff-experienced veterans, a franchise caliber QB who finished his first full season (and has 2 NFC championship games; 1SB under his belt), highly touted 'redshirts' that expect to contribute for the next 4-5 years, and always (it seems) a baker's dozen of picks going into each draft...there is nothing but upside to this franchise.
I have faith in our front office to maximize the roster talent to compete year in and year out (see what they did to get Boldin; and what they could have paid to get Harvin--no knock on Harvin but see what Boldin was able to produce and what was given up to get him.
Also consider the new stadium as a draw for incoming unrestricted free agents.
As fans we are in good hands.
It still hurts from the last 3 years short comings---still hasn't healed.This Sunday's loss is still an open wound...but look ahead for greatness and an eventual 6th championship.
After looking at a post from another site, you don't really put into perspective what it took to get the back to back super bowls; and the eventual 5 trophy. As a child growing up, I lived in the moment of each season and each 'failed' season was a memory we conciously forgot. But as I look back at the span of 10 years (1986-1995) see the tribulations of those lost seasons.
Check Dr. Bill Walsh's post in the link below:
http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/162030-montana-young-saga-91-92/
This rivalry with the Seahawks (though frustrating) is a chapter in this franchise's history that could be the beginning of the greatest rivalries in the NFL. We a fans might be witness the beginning of a Packers/Bears or Cowboys/Redskins like rivalry that spans generations. We should be lucky to witnessing this. Eventually it will be that much more fulfilling that we win a championship during this time during during the peak of our rivals dominance.