cup run help or hindrance?

AFC's cup record over the past 10 years.   Nothing to be proud of and no giantkilling.  Once again this year, we're out of two cups by the end of July.    We've not really been a notable cup side in recent decades

... but has it helped us focus on the league campaign?

2011/12 - out in first round of both Cups

2010-11 - out in first round of all 3 Cups

2009-10 - beat Peterhead in League Cup, lost 0-6 to St Johnstone, then in Scottish Cup to Montrose

2008-09 - bt Stirling in League Cup, then out to ICT on pens

2007-08 - won first ties in all 3 cups then out in next round (to Airdrie, ICT, Cowden)

2006-07 - won through to 3rd round of Challenge Cup then out to Albion R

2005-06 - out of the League and Challenge Cups first, Sc Cup next round defeat at Hibs 6-0

2004-05  - out of all cups at first attempt

2003-04  - bt Raith in League Cup then out to Falkirk

2002-03  -  out of all cups at first attempt

2001-02  -  out of all cups at first attempt

And another thing - some small teams have won the Challenge Cup in the past (Stranraer, Stenny).  Why have we never got close?