All the great players get into the HOF. Most of the almost-great players eventually get in as well. Character is supposed to matter but 'attitude' has more of an impact, thus a few almost-greats do not make it, and a few less-than-almost-greats actually get in. I don't remember seeing 'longevity' in the list of HOF-worthy characteristics, but it also enables the almost-greats to get in.
As far as steroids go, John McGrath wrote a great op-ed for yesterday's Tacoma Tribune regarding Dale Murphy and Rule 5 of the voting. I think it's worth a read.
The fact that so many guys like Tim Raines, who have overcome some huge hurdles (many self-inflicted) are able to have a special moment like this, makes it okay to me that it is a 'Hall of Well Above Average' as opposed to a true HOF.
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