So we have about 5 extremely sturdy, unassailable arguments against relegation.
Why do people keep bringing it up then?
Clickbait?
Im convinced schools like CSU see it as the only way they can ever move up to P5 status. These discussions were started by supporters of those schools in the hope the idea would get some traction and maybe, someday, see the light of day.
Tulane used to be in the SEC once upon a time as well.
The posts above indicating this all about and really only about TV money is correct. Realignment has ushered in newer and vastly larger TV deals because they were compelling in terms of size and scope of potential new viewers.
Its also clear that the ESPN juggernaut of spending has gotten it into deep financial trouble. When those contracts end its highly unlikely the next round of contracts will be record breaking. But you never know. The question at that point is whats next? Its conceivable that conferences put their broadcast behind a paywall. But I doubt that since its so important for recruiting students and alumni giving that they would go completely off free network TV. My thinking is there will be contracts with ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC with the best 2 or 3 games being on free tv with the rest behind the paywall. Free TV has been thus far unwilling to pay the stratospheric fees ESPN was willing to.
Because of the above I dont think we see much more realignment other than the BigXII getting picked apart to divide those big TV markets up.
all that said, i've always sideways wanted the Longhorn Network to be a raging success ("no one ever went broke over-estimating the vulgarity of the American people")....so UT might go independent in their undeserved but suffering hubris. then, they and Notre Dame can wank each other off into eternity.