You're somewhere near where I am.
At the start of the season I would have thought a top 8 finish to be a great season because I don't rate this squad at all. For much of the same reasons as yourself, the players lauded as our key instigators are average, Maddison being a really good example, Solanke being another. Likewise i see 15th-17th as being a terrible one because I think we are indeed better than that.
Frank has been poor in multiple ways from the way he's used Xavi initially to the defensive double pivot etc etc. but then I look at these players and I hand on heart just don't see much in terms of quality. A top 10 season just feels about right for what we have imo.
If we had won all the games you suggested we'd be 2nd and you think you're expectations are not too high? You're delusional.