What a long post..
I think we all know how you feel though, there were times during the Ellis era where we were just so bad it made you want to cry, no investment, no passion on the field, everything was so stale. I personally think you're just getting greedy! You've finished very well in the league the last few seasons, including that impossible 4th place, and now your expectations are too high, that's how I see it anyway. As Oaks said, you've spent fairly big in recent summers and have a top class manager, you may have a bad season every now and then, every club does, but I don't think you need to get this worked up about it. 2 or 3 seasons in a row? Fair enough, but not only did Everton finish 5th last season, they're still high up in the table now considering how 'bad' you're meant to be playing of late.
So stop being so bloody greedy! Let Villa have their day in the sun!