I don't think most BYU fans think BYU will ever be a perpetual top 5 program with the unique restrictions our program faces. But I think many of us do think we can potentially be a consistent top 30 or so program and put together a solid run at the playoffs every so often. If we set our goals on "a great 10-3 year and maybe end the year ranked in the top 25-20" as you say, we should drop football entirely. Why even compete? Right now, going 10-3 sounds fine, but it should not be what we strive for. 

The HC was around in 1984. It was around when Ty won the Heisman. We had the HC and were able to recruit, develop, and place in the NFL players like Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Luke Staley, etc. The HC is restricting, but it isn't strangling the program into oblivion.

Have some ambition, man! Not everyone has given up dreams of greatness (in life in general, not just football), and I hope our football program never does.