You letting the ownership off the hook is more damaging than categorizing them as possibly the worst owners.
There was evidence presented that the Pohlads have been running the same scheme related to payroll since the 1990s. If nearly 30 years of the same false narratives doesn't convince you of the damage the Pohlads have caused, I'm not sure what else can.
I'm not certain why you only use payroll as your basis for judgment. There are other factors to consider. I'm looking big picture. Are you forgetting the past two years with the streaming debacle, the trade deadline of 2025, etc.
I also look at antecdotal evidence and see friends and family who have supported the Twins for decades (some since the 1960s) saying they are bailing on supporting the Twins, will not renew season ticket packages, and are "done". These aren't passive fans, they are hardcore. Some are refusing to attend games with me in 2026.
ESPN recently rated Twins fans as most frustrated: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47335875/mlb-2025-10-most-frustrated-fan-bases-red-sox-mets-twins-cardinals
These are signs of a terrible ownership group and legitimate complaints.
Defend the Pohlads all you want. I refuse to.