If you were going into a division loaded with teams that would likely relegate you, I'd say that it wouldn't hurt you to stay in division V another season (you could even say it would help you). Since the division you'd be going to will only have 3 human teams (4 if you promote) then I don't think it would hurt you to move on up. You might lose more games, but the increase in sponsor money for div IV is higher than div V so, you'd likely come out about even there. Plus, you'd get valuable experience playing against human opponents, which will only help you later on as you move up. If I was in your position, I'd try to promote this year if at all possible.

Thanks for the replies!

It may not matter what I decide , since I need a bot team to lose to another bot team in order to advance (hmm, we don't seem to have a 'praying' emoticon, which would have been appropriate here lol)

Thanks! for some reason I saw that as someone making a speech.

Promote for me, i think the quality in div v and iv is pretty similar

if you expext to finish in the top 7 places following promotion, then go for promotion, if its likely (or highly likely) that you would just relegate back down, it may be worth finishing 2nd...

Basically you need to decide on a few things...
what will your end of season winnings be like in either case?
If you have a club shop, what are your estimated earning differences?
How will the different 'forms' going to affect friendly income and attendance?
If your stadium is large enough, what effect with either position have on attendance at league games?
If you don't promote this season, are you sure you will next?
If you do promote, and then are relegated, could you end up in a harder league than you currently are?
Are there bot teams in the new league? will they stop you from relegating?


lots of questions, some let you put a money value on each option, some mor a long term view (as your aim should be for TD long term after all)