So was it a different system and in 2006 did Saints do the double whilst breaching the salary cap?

I believe fan opinion is one of the major reasons why the changes to the playoffs and/or league structure were set in motion. Obviously other factors are involved, but to deny that the opinion of the fans, and reception to certain ideas has no affect on future decisions is just silly. That's not to say that the RFL change everything on the whim of the fans, but, it is surely a contributing factor.

99.99% if RL fans did not want playoffs to be brought in at all in 1998 and the RFL didn't listen then.

With top 5 playoffs and relegation in a 12 team league, most clubs will have something to play for with at least a couple of games to go.

Of course you can win both, its the biggest myth in RL that you cant.

And we have a much better chance of the double than any of our rivals...

As far as I'm aware, fans were not consulted in either case - if they were I haven't seen any survey results quoted.

If you just mean fans' general dissatisfaction with the status quo, then yeah, in the sense that "something needs to be done", but as far as the actual (or proposed) changes go I've seen/heard few fans in favour. regarding the playoffs, most comments seem to favour a top 5 system; and this 12x2 > 8x3 idea is pretty much universally derided from what I've seen and heard, by fans and players alike.