The difference now is that Boller knows that this is his LAST chance with the Ravens. Before this season, they extended him one year, so after next season, he is a UFA. There is ZERO chance that the Ravens do not draft/sign a 'QB of the future' type guy in the offseason. Either Boller finally gets it and starts playing like a starter, or he just keeps the spot warm and signs as a backup with a chance to start when he is done with the Ravens.
As for Troy Smith, I think they should have cut him in camp. Drew Olson was the better #3 QB, but they didn't draft him and give him a bonus, so he was the one who got whacked. As good as the Ravens have been at drafting, QB evaluation has been a glaring weakness. Not only did we cut Derrick Anderson in favor of a 2nd kicker, the whole debate over which QB to draft a few years ago was between Boller and Leftwich. Ick.