Think it is all too easy to look at the few teams who are really good in this aspect of the game (Virginia Tech comes to mind) and think ND should be able to do that. However, as you note performance at this level is rare and generally needs specialized coaching and recruiting focused on finding players to implement an attack posture (something pro teams that are consistently good routinely do).
Special teams collectively are about two issues: (1) field position, and (2) scoring or denying that to the opponent.
-The first is about net punting and KO returns. Think in general the object is too at least do "ok" and not screw up (turnovers and poor downfield coverage or blocking). Teams that are good in this area force teams to kick away from certain returners (Tim Brown created a lot of those situations) and force the punter out of their normal pattern (or stop an opponent from doing that) - ideally this results in poor timing and with luck a blocked kick.
It is possible to recruit players with potential as gunners and kick blockers along with the more obvious "long snapper and FG/XP snapper" and KO and punting specialist - we haven't done the former in a long time - in the current regime think that is part because we keep having unexpected player losses so we have to keep recruiting for the O and D positions to fill those gaps.
-The second is about Red Zone offense and extra points - in an ideal world a team wants a kicker (plus the rest of the unit) that is going to convert virtually all attempts and a bonus having one with a very long range is "perfect" as this puts a lot of stress on the D. Keeping the opponents out of these situations is the role of the D but having enough of rush to affect the kicker is the goal.
Looking at the present regime my biggest concern: there have been few games in which it can be said the ST turned the tide. On the other side there have been too many games in which we were hurt by an avoidable fumble, poor coverage, etc.
I look at this aspect of FB like a doctor: special teams should be "unremarkable" as in this context remarkable means something "bad." We aren't there yet and think it will difficult to get there unless the various changes implemented in the last couple of years results in better roster retention