I know what you were saying hence my comment. At 1.8 million, there's not a lot you can do with that. It's popcorn money and they can't get much lower than what they are at now.
The next part is where it's you that's mistaken. I pointed out Canterbury because they are right in the middle and a geographic competitor. A simple benchmark to show how far away from the middle we were. They have also made the finals many more times than we have in the last 25 years. 12 finals, 3 grand finals and 1 premiership. They've had a lean few years recently, but very well could win this year. You really picked a bad example to get smug with in the Bulldogs.
Going to teams 1-7, they have 18 from 25 premierships. It's interesting you smugly bring up Parramatta too, but they are the ONLY team that has not won a premiership in the 25 year NRL period in that group. However, theybhave made the finals 12 times including a grand final. Despite Parramatta not winning a premiership, 6 out of the top 7 teams on that list have won 72% of all premierships.
I'm not saying it's the only factor in winning, but resources help a lot. The bottom of that table is full of the perrenial losers. There is a connection. If you believe money doesn't help, then I don't think explaining my position again will make a difference to your thinking, so I respect your right to an opinion.