Exactly, which is why the punishment has to be proportionate to the crime.
we broke a rule, yes. But we gained no significant advantage from it (like benefitting from having players we couldn't actually afford over an entire season), therefore a huge fine and expulsion will be excessive and they know we will appeal it, throwing everything into utter chaos.
As much as the EFL may want to make an example of us, the reality is they can't because of the total mess they would be creating for themselves if they do.