He's brought in players for 3, 2, 2, 3, 7, 4 &4 million over 3 summers to compete with the likes of Aberdeen, Motherwell, Hibs etc who probably haven't spent £5 million between them in the last 20-25 years. Quality players for this league with price tags no club in Scotland, except one of course, can compete with.
Cup success might not be seen as important in England but if you're recruiting a manager from the SPFL from Rangers or the scum then I'd imagine cup records would play a part especially when both us and the scum blow everyone else out the water. Worth noting as well that Gerrard has lost one cup tie to the scum while being knocked out by St J, St Mirren, Hearts and Aberdeen twice.
So your 2nd part, they're more than likely recruiting him for his name then, aye?
No idea why anyone would try and make Gerrard out to be better than he is. 1 trophy in 12 and a failed CL qualification attempt against Malmo.