The truth is finishing 7th is the same as finishing 17th. You finish 1st, that makes a difference, you finish in the CL spots that makes a difference, you finish in the bottom 3 and that makes a difference.
Otherwise, not so much.
What midtable clubs are judged on is the other stuff, cup runs, derbies, quality football, exciting kids that sort of thing. If those are there than a season where you finish 14th feels much better than one where you finish 8th.
Anyone not willing to swap our last season with the RS's? Who wouldn't give up that one place in the table for a trophty, two cup finals and three derby wins?