We'll have to agree to differ. I think a number of clubs below us have squads that are similar in quality to ours, but simply haven't matched our results (Preston, Brentford, Oldham, Colchester, Scunthorpe, Hartlepool). You say you would like to finish above Notts County and Stevenage, but we are already above a number of clubs we would not expect to be higher than (Preston and Brentford being obvious examples).
You rightly mention the improved quality of the squad, but you should also remember who signed those players, after inheriting utter dross from Barnes (good old Uncle Les). There is no need to use the budget as an excuse for anything, because we are performing as well as we could reasonably be expected to.