It's funny, that used to be my argument for a short while... success and wining is the main thing... does a colour REALLY matter???
In the end I realised that for me personally, actually it DID matter. The promotion under Malky, however welcome it was just didn't feel right and there was always a sense of detachment for me.
The promotion under Warnock, despite us only being runners up that season felt so much better. Maybe in part because it was unexpected (as you say jck, we had splashed the cash under Malky to assist our quest so it was less of a shock in many ways).
I've since come to realise that I'd much rather retain a genuine connection with the club and keep a true sense of identity, even if it means supporting a club that remains in the "lower" leagues for the rest of time, because actually, winning ISN'T everything and the club can create a sense and source of pride in many ways that aren't connected with results on the pitch. Yes, of course it's great when we are winning and doing well, it just creates an additional buzz and puts smiles on thousands of peoples faces, but behind that, many of us have a strong historical connection to the club too, that can be stirred up by simple things such as (rather topically) a new kit design that may invoke happy memories from years gone by, or, in my own personal case, having a club representative turn up at my brothers funeral (he was such a big fan of the club and we were taking a collection that we donated to the City Trust. They were so thankful and one of the team came along to meet the family in person, a lovely, heart warming gesture). Likewise my mothers funeral many years back. We were owned by the Kumar's at that point (remember them??). Terrible owners from an investment point of view, things just stagnated massively under them, but my sister was working at the club at the time and as mark of respect for her a female director (who's name alludes me now) who was also (I believe) the wife/partner of one of the owners came along to pay the clubs respects to my mum as a way of showing empathy for my family.
The clubs consistent approach to trying to give fans, both home and away a good, safe experience and winning awards for it is another... just trying to be a bigger, better part of the community within which it sits, all this gives me (personally) a sense of pride in the team whether we win, lose or draw.
I am very much aware this is a personal viewpoint though, and many people will only stick with a winning club and turn their back as soon things go pear shaped on the pitch so don't expect you or anyone to agree with me (though I suspect some will). For me, the longevity/safety of the club, identity and ability to do some good (especially in such a corporate, grab all the cash you can type society/industry) over a prolonged period of time far outweighs any 3 points on the pitch.
Jeez, this all seems far too deep for a Friday morning.... what's wrong with me???? Snap out of it Brizz, get with the programme.... has Rambo signed yet???