IF, Ireland are to have any chance in the World Cup they should treat this year's 6 Nations like the way Jim Gavin treats the National League. Use it to develop the squad, try out tactics, etc, but don't be throwing the kitchen sink at it.
Joe Schmidts positive contribution and legacy to Irish Rugby will be largely judged on whether we can get to a world cup semi final at the very least later this year. Anything we get from a 6 Nations in a world cup year is a bonus, that's all.