Actually we are 7th in PPG not 8 and HAVE PLAYED 2-3 less games than the teams with better PPG. My point being, this team isn't doing badly despite being "cheap" or "on a USL" budget and to ignore that is silly and worse.
We are in 8th by PPG, though the idea that we should be really excited about being in 7th is hilarious. The whole benefit of the Red Bulls nonsense was that we were going to spend and win, making the whole thing more palatable. The fact that we are at the point where people are saying "LOOK WERE IN 7TH NOT 8TH" shows how underwhelming the whole thing has been.
Also when comparing teams using PPG, games in hand do not matter, that's why PPG exists as a stat.
I love the way the guys on the field play, they have a ton of heart, as they did last year, and earn some great results. If we scrape a decent run out of this season with the thin and cheap roster put together by lead consultant Ali its a testament to the players. With that said the east is unquestionably weak. This team is not on par with the top teams in the league and is a few injuries away from disaster. If they actually invest to fill the team's needs in the transfer window that would be something, but I'll believe it when I see it.