Speaking for myself, I was interested in the thread, but had nothing useful to contribute. I couldn't resist the side issue as you say. I personally don't like the premier league but accept that reaching it would be a huge measure of our success, not winning the league 1 title, which...
Relative success does look like that.
BUT, ask any player (or most fans). Win the 4th division title or get promotion in 2nd place to the top tier?
I wonder how many would chose your criteria for success?