If you want to complete long through passes I don't think the technique attribute comes into play as much as pass accuracy, pass speed, and teamwork. My opinion is based on the Piggyback interactive PES guides, which, as I remember it, explain that technique is more for trapping and dribbling -- though I would have to check to be sure. Shooting is regulated heavily by shot technique, but it's more your ability to pull off a shot when under pressure from an opponent or at a bad angle to goal, in other words it help make sure you don't flub the shot. With passing this doesn't come into play as much. Even a poor passer seems to be able to pull off passes when they are backheels or at a bad angle/off balance, though maybe technique would improve this to some degree??? I guess my point is that in my opinion long through passing wouldn't be dictated by technique, but, say an off-balance cross (while falling or almost out of bounds) probably would be - if you assume that it works the same as with shooting.
Anyway, I go for the strategy of increasing kicking technique almost exclusively, then eventually bring up the other stats. It all depends on how you player starts out and what you need. I don't think there is one perfect strategy, but if there is, I don't think it's to keep everything even in the "strengthen" chart. For one, you will want to push to reach the 70, 75, and 80 markers sometimes for certain attributes, or decide you need more stamina if the coach is playing you too much. Now that kicking is getting up where I want it, I'm actually changing my strengthen chart every few games as I change my mind about what I need most, based on my performances.
