I don't buy this "we can't compete with the top" loser attitude, it annoys the fuck out of me. Yes, we cant compete with them when it comes to spending as much money as possible.
But if we had ambition and signed, say 3 quality players and had some luck with injuries and some results with us (other top teams losing silly points) then we "could" be up there and pinch that 3/4th spot that eventually could land us CL and a great platform to progress from even further.
What's the meaning of it all if the aim isn't to get better and better and at least try to become as good as possible.