Price had been itching to get back into Missouri even before he left the Trans Mississippi Dept with Van Dorn. Price thought that he could cause the people, particularly of southern Missouri, to rise up against the brutality of the Yankee occupation of the State.

So yes I do believe that he had unrealistic visions of grandure as far as his return to Missouri was concerned.

This is not to say that the purpose of the "Raid" wasn't a good idea. I just believe that "Ol pap" Price overextended himself and his resources and abilities of his men, thereby getting his command into the situation he did, because he was overconfident about what he experted the people of Missouri would do.