Think you are way off the mark - at this Championship level those that play by the book can only invest what FPF allows. Those that try and and flout the rules often end up relegated one way or another. ie Derby, Sheff Wed, Reading etc.
I suppose I was given a little glimpse of how Steve Gibson assesses things a couple of years ago when he spoke to me about Derby County. In the summer they look at all the spending power of the opposition as well as the squad strength etc. Gibson tries to ensure the club is in the best possible position to support the manager and his recruitment. They are very thorough in this process, I believe.
I was fortunate enough to exchange texts with Steve Gibson last week and he expressed his severe disappointment at the outcome but wanted to underline how the work starts now to plan to be in the best possible shape to go one better next season.