I think its understandable fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with Rafa, but I dread to think what would happen if he left. I cant think of another more suitable alternative who is available, not to mention the probable player exodus.
It's right that his leadership is questioned- Istanbul and the crap board do not make Rafa untouchable. There are strong arguments in favour of his departure. The blind faith in certain players (or lack of in certain cases), our inability to break down stubborn defences, the questionable tactics etc. Its difficult to measure how much of this is exactly Benitez's fault given the boardroom situation BUT a large portion of the blame certainly has to lie on Benitez's shoulders. For instance the politics behind Robbie Keane's transfer meant Benitez's stubborness was certainly detrimental to Liverpool. Keane definitely deserved more of a chance, as did Peter Crouch, and I'm afraid Agger might be forced out too for no particular reason- all good players just victims of Rafa's dodgy philosophy. Whether we'll win a league under Benitez in my opinion is unlikely- it'd be such a shame to see players the calibre of Gerrard and Carragher never win a title.
Having said that we're lying second in the league, to what pains me to say is a flipping impressive Manchester United team. We're just going through the inevitable dodgy patch that we face every season- its just a matter of how quickly we can emerge from it, where we end up, and when the hell they're going to stop happening.
Benitez to stay for the time being- partly because there's no better alternative and he does seem like a man with a plan- all be it a slowly developing plan.