Thanks mate - some solid advice. TBH - reading it - I think I've realised the criteria for me - shit or bust - and it is this:

I've not placed in an MTT for so long (used to here and there) that I didn't want to walk away empty handed.

I'm gonna carry on with my solid play and cash more. Then once I've cashed a few times (say, 3 or 4) - convincing myself I'm doing consistently good, then I'll switch to the mode I know that my heart is in - Winning! - I always eye up the top 3 prizes and I want them - no doubt. (I've had 1st b4 - but freerolls)