This is what annoys me most about this 50/50 on-off the field criteria. Why should Galway be in the Premier next season. You won't win the First Division. You are also highly unlikely to finish second. Any other season (bar this one) it would mean another season in the First Division.
To me, if Shamrock Rovers win the First Division (which looks likely) they deserve to be in the Premier next season. If Dundalk beat the 11th team in the play-offs, they should be the only other First Division team considered for the Premier. My own club is likely to finish sixth, do you think we deserve to be in the Premier next year - no.
Remember, if the league positions finish as they are at present, Finn Harps will be ranked higher than Galway on the on the pitch criteria. Harps will be ranked 13th out the 21 teams while Galway will be ranked 14th of the 21 teams.
Finally, next season it is back to simple promotion and relegation. A season like you had this season will not be good enough to see Galway in the Premier in 2008.