When you look at it very few clubs win silverware and it is the ambition of most clubs in the premiership to still be in it next season. We might have struggled to stay there but 10 consecutive seasons in the premiership would be seen by many clubs as great success. They might have said we stank the place out for the last 5 or so seasons, but our numerous great escapes brought much entertainment - and I bet all neutral fans were overjoyed with Gus' miracle at the bridge when we ended the unbeaten home run of the special one's Chelsea team.
You also overlook the size of our fan base and potential for income generation.
SAFC has the 10th biggest stadium capacity of any English football club. That sort of implies where the club should be positioned - in English football's top 10 clubs.
I'm not saying we have a divine right to that position, but it should be a realistic aspiration and four seasons in tier 3 can, in view of the club's potential, only be viewed as a great failure.