I like the way you said this, and I can support that perspective.
I'm with Elvis in that I get frustrated with talk of winning the NFCS, as it almost always sounds like that is the objective to be achieved. It's not. It's simply a means to an end. The goal IS...and always has been, Lombardi! Division champs just means you earned a shot to achieve your objective. I hear the argument that 31 teams fail to achieve their objective every season. This is true, but it doesn't mean your season wasn't successful?! I don't see the measure of success as an "all or nothing" metric. The Lombardi....yes, that's all or nothing....your 1st place or your place doesn't matter. But when it comes to a successful season, I think there's a spectrum there.
And speaking for me personally....winning the NFCS is nice, but it's a means to an end....it isn't the end itself. In football terms, we have a 17-game preseason to see who is qualified to play for the crown. Make no mistake....the goal isn't simply to qualify....it's the crown! Maybe splitting hairs here, but i think it's a very important distinction. JMO...