Population-wise, our catchment area exceeds that of teams like Falkirk, Dunfermline, Kilmarnock and St. Johnstone, the last two having finished in the top 4 in the last 10 years. (Seem to remember St.J finishing 3rd recently).
So there is no reason why we can't do likewise.
I've no doubt our gates will improve over the years as a new generation of INVERNESS fans emerges and having pioneered a sensible wage structure, it is surely just a matter of time before other teams will be forced to follow, putting us on a more level playing field, so to speak.
Bigger crowds would be consistent with a better team and improved wages, generally speaking.
If we survive in the SPL for another couple of seasons, then we can realistically look to consolidating a mid-table presence for the years ahead with the occasional foray into the top 4.
(Oh yeah, and this is my first post on the new site.)