I still find that a weak argument because it appears that the success is measured by profits. In Brighton's case they were actually cheated of their stadium which was sold off to build a Sainsburys. They had to play in a very temporary site for a number of years. Nevertheless they managed to make it to the top flight after fighting the local council for permission to build their stadium. That suggests some significant success in the transfer market and success that would not show up in profits. In fact I don't see how measuring the profits suggests success in player transfers. If they want to build a good team it would be easier to hang on to their good players at the cost of profit on player transfers. Instead Brighton have managed to do both and that is certainly not possible in one season.