If it's true that you 'didnt turn up' for those games then it's not exactly in the spirit of the game.
I'm sure there'd be plenty Sunderland fans complaining about teams ' not turning up' if they were facing one of your promotion / relegation rivals.
I presume you're on about parachute payments.
Obviously it's a big advantage, but others have managed to compete (and be promoted) without them.
Brentford, Forest, Luton, Ipswich and yourselves spring to mind.
People go on as if we're in no position to strengthen our squad
You're not an adult, surely?
Going on as if you're in a primary school playground.