Hibs and Hearts both averaged just over 18,000 last year with Aberdeen not far behind on just under 15,000, though I wouldn't blame anybody south of the border for being unaware of that in view of the fact that there is absolutely no mention of our game in the English media. Crowds are far lower for non big city clubs, but if you want context, if Gateshead was in Scotland it would be our 5th biggest town behind Dundee.
You make a good point on wages, that's the real killer for Scottish clubs even more than transfer fees …. clubs in division 2 in England and even some 'non league' clubs can afford to pay more than most of our clubs outside of the bigot brothers and Aberdeen. Its an actual fact that the BBC pay Gary Lineker more to host MOTD than they pay for their entire coverage of Scottish football and our SKY and BT sport deals wouldn't pay Man City's subs bench wages for a week ….. In a world where TV money rules Scotland is miles and miles behind, which is why comparisons between our game and England is pretty pointless and I wish Scottish folk would stop doing it.
It must be the same for fans of English clubs outside of the premiership …. the TV money EPL clubs get is insane and how long before the likes of Blackburn are left floundering with no way back as the rich get richer and richer …. for all that our game is dominated by one club your far bigger league is dominated by a handful of clubs, to the point where its only a matter of time before the clubs in the EPL between 9th and 17th will start to expect a trophy for not getting relegated because for some bizarre reason its celebrated like winning a cup final.
Ha ha … sorry I love rambling on about this stuff …. Anyway, plenty of respect for people who stick with their home town clubs like Blackburn fans do, especially with Man Utd and Livepool just along the road … who knows, perhaps you will make it back up this season, good luck.