I would agree with that, the amount of smaller towns who do really well, Alloa are a prime example. ross county a very small town, but sustain full time football. we could go through every league above us and find comparable towns, that seem to manage to stay at a higher level.
I dont know the answer, Whether it is better run financially, or bigger fan base, which in most cases, not so sure about that, i have watched the binos for about 46 years, and they have virtually won nothing, apart from the little foray's up and down the leagues, i would love to know how hamilton , livingstone, ross county and whoever mange to get to the premier league.
Sadly don't think i will ever see the binos there.