So much I disagree with, if you weren't happy/excited with our CC Cup wins, then I feel sorry for you.
Would you really consider the Scum's last 7 years as successful? because it is according to your view, and I don't.
While I understand the business value of CL and 4th, fans and players want Silverware, even if it's a "lesser" trophy.
And there is a big difference between ambition and delusion, Tottenham now and in the next 5 years (without a sugar daddy investment) will not have the financial ability to win the PL (that is a fact, not lack of ambition), we certainly do have the ability to win a trophy in that time however. I for one would be very happy if the next couple of years included a CC and Europa win.
What's there to "feel sorry" about? :~
Well, with the greatest of respect, Arsenal have continued to finish above us in the league - so, to that end, they're obviously achieving better results than we are. Those better results allow them access to substantial financial resources while will only serve to reaffirm the small monopoloy which exists within the Top 4; a virtuous circle if there were ever one.
You're deluding yourself mate, if you think the likes of Luka Modric or Gareth Bale get all excited and feel a real sense of achievement...by winning the Carling Cup. It is what is, and - sorry mate - but if you're ambitious, then it's not good enough - not by a long shot. It's a second-rate cup; a tainted achievement; something you 'won', but not exactly something you'd ever boast about.
I dunno so much about your "facts", because unless you have some time machine, I don't suppose you can tell what the future holes? Anyway, who's talking about winning the Premier League? I'm not. I'm talking about raising our standard over the course of a season to a higher level than the brick, embarrassing record which we currently have. It's that brick, embarrassing record which lead to Spurs fans seeking some solace and 'glory' elsewhere, ie: hoping for a cup win 'year ends in one' and all that nonsense.
Y'know something, I've always found the whole 'year ends in one' cringe-worthy. Why? Because think about what it says about Tottenham Hotspur: happy to sing a song about winning something...every 10 years. So, for the intervening 9 years, Spurs will be fudging dogbrick and nothing to speak about at all; but, once the year turns '1' - whoosh, glory! It's embarrassing isn't it?
Finishing high up in the league isn't all to do with "business value" - although, in the current incarnation of the league, there's a healthy relationship between achievement and reward. No, for me, making sure that you finish high in the league is more about recognising that - over the course of a season; 38 games and 9 months of football, you set a consistently high standard. That's the true measure.
As for Cup football? Exciting, but it's a completely different kettle of fish. It's knock-out football, and winning a cup competition doesn't - to me anyway - prove much, only that you managed - by hook or by crook - to negotiate your way through about 5 or 6 games. By nature, there's a high degree of variance, and luck plays a far more important role. Over the course of a season though, variance will be moderated and luck 'evens itself out'.
So it's up to you really I suppose, but I'll always rate performance in the league with far, far higher importance than any performance in cup competitions. I'm confident there is a close correlation between cup win rate versa league position as well, so we have to address the latter and then the former should naturally follow. It's just common sense really isn't it?
