Yeah we have won nothing in recent history but other than one FA cup neither have Everton in the last 30 years. I'd be pretty sure we have a better record of league finishes in the last 25 years even with 2 championship campaigns. Also a lot more games in Europe in the last 25 years including champions league games. Before Ashley came we had 10 consecutive years in Europe.
I can't see you getting consistently 52,000 plus crowds mind, even in a new stadium, especially if you had a spell in the bottom half or fighting relegation. What would you lot get if you did go down? You are lucky to have owners who put money in and want to progress high up the league as possible where we have Ashley with the handbrake on us.
I don't really mind Everton, a solid club who are always top half and 40k crowds but any player or manager leaving Newcastle for Everton isn't taking an upward step in my oppinion, especially if Ashley goes anytime soon. As long as Benitez is here the club is buzzing and has potential demonstrated by 52,00 gates in the championship, there is hardly any other clubs who could do that. If Benitez goes and it all falls apart however then yeah we would be back to been a shambles and most other PL clubs would be a step up.