The funny thing is - we are probably closer to a flag now that we were 6-8 weeks ago.
Our list was not up to it (ie: a premiership) so we re-stack the list. The worst thing that could happen was we just stagnated around 8-10 wins a year, finish mid-table and trick ourselves into thinking we were close (in my opinion)
I like your optimism. If the rot continues you can also factor in the fast-tracking of younger players.