I don't think 1 is relevant because we spend a lot more than teams above us, CCM are only paying minimum and we're going to be above the cap.
Point 1 is we don't have enough money to win the league, but it's only relevant if we're performing at or above teams which spend the same or less than us. If we're below teams which spend considerably less then us then point 2 is the only one that's relevant.
Edit: not that it matters now.
Ernie resigning makes me sad, I've always found him to be very approachable and he has a lot to offer. I hope he gets offered and takes a position with the academy because he has a lot to offer us.