Quell supris Rodney, quell supris.

Squared value is not squad strength, nor is it necessarily lack of investment. For last few years Palace have picked up experienced prem players from other clubs who have 'upgraded' mainly West ham and Everton. It means we get older players who command higher wages because of their experience but have little sell on value.
Brighton in particular have gone for younger players, who can't command big wages but have a potential sell on value.
Different models, we know what we get competent Premier league players who can cut it but unlikely for much improvement. The downside is high wages and the risk that if they all get old together.
Brighton potentially get players that could develop and progress with good sell on value on a lower wage. The risk is they look good in Holland, Belgium or the championship but can't cut it in the Premier league.
Neither model is right or wrong and only really matters in how you apply them.

One supporter of hacking argued that without it "you will do away with the courage and pluck of the game, and I will be bound to bring over a lot of Frenchmen who would beat you with a week's practice -Blackheath secretary at first meeting of the F.A

If reflects the age of our squad. If you took 5 years off of most of our players we would be much higher on the list