I don't think we should try to compare this season and last. Last seasons league 1 was far stronger than this years. A league with Falkirk, Dunfermline and Airdrie all with good sides plus QoS were far better with Ruari Paton up top. Edinburgh City also spent way above their means last season to provide a playoff push which kept the middle competitive also. They're paying for that now mind you
The fact the league leaders have went unbeaten this season shows the quality of the rest of the league as much as it shows their own quality.
I'm not overly concerned about Montrose and Alloa as we have more than enough to beat them. It's when we come up against Inverness who have a better side than us I don't feel Rankin has any sort of tactical nous to overcome them. I can't think of any high pressure game Rankin has come out victorious? Getting past Alloa with some conviction would be a great start.
Failure to gain promotion has to see Rankin and Strain relieved of their duties. Stick with them and Seref may lose a lot of the fans goodwill and backing. I almost feel Strain is the most important man to jettison. I do have a little bit of sympathy with Rankin and feel if he had an experienced assistant and a competent DoF he would be far better equipped for the job.