Those that I see with the guys I play with, is running to ‘high’ and getting poor triple extension (at least when we do push-up starts, or the ‘40yd dash’ start).
Whether to train for acceleration or top speed is going to be positional, tactical, and philosophically dependent. (i.e. Wide Receivers need both, Lineman need only Acceleration, Running Backs more Acceleration than Top speed, etc.)
Edit: Saw your edit. 1. I completely agree with and that is something that can cause my first point. 2. Agree for all ‘small’ skill players it needs to be addressed in some volume. Maybe not so much for QB’s, LB’s, and TE’s, but like I said above its going to depend on the team, their scheme, and what they are trying to accomplish.