I think the merit-based component is £2m per league position. The way it's going at the moment a couple of goals could make the difference up yep! Not sure what happens if you're tied on GD, GF, GA etc, maybe alphabetically decided :). Expect CPFC2010 to soon rebrand as _AAACPFC2017?
IMO, weighed up against the risk of getting a few injuries and having no fit striker, the reward of ~£5m isn't a good deal. If we manage to sign someone in Jan, who knows how long they'll take to get up to standard / gel.