No they aren't but they are in the overall UK sporting ecosystem which is the comparison with RL.
I think we're in a financial situation that means our costs are lower. We have significantly smaller FT squads, from experience I'd expect it to be smaller coaching set ups too. Our only direct competition for players is the NRL who whilst clearly having some impact, is less impactful on our wage inflation than say having the French Top 14 on your doorstep is. The European competitions too require both larger squads and far greater travelling commitments than our annual or twice yearly jaunt to Catalans.
I agree however that funding is the key issue here. Clubs who cannot afford to pay £x in wages, will inevitably make the league weaker and less intense as talent is more thinly spread.
Unfortunately, despite all the claims to the contrary, I do not think there is a long term plan for 14 teams right now.
I think the whole feeling is incredibly short term and is about a value of around £5million p/a to the whole sport. That is to say the combined costs and benefits of a 7th match a week, no loop fixtures, a promoted team like Bradford with their hordes of away fans, and not paying IMG £450k a year.