Last year was the first year Bahktiari was as good as "average" for a LT.
Why do you think he'd have more trouble playing on the right side, I'm curious. I'd much rather have him on the right side than the left. To me, the only reason he should be playing on the left right now is that the team has no one better. Not because he is as good as you want a LT to be.
Oh, and 16th out of 32 is "above average" only because there are an even number of teams, and so "average" is 16.5.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)