It would be nice if BYU could get more competitive in the arena where the rules of Mammon dictate success, but I think hoping and expecting that transition is the way of madness. It just is a competition where BYU will always be a few steps behind. Competing in that arena is just not compatible and congruent with BYU culture and disposition.
If BYU can get enough of the top tier kids attracted to the BYU environment and supplement that with enough transfers and diamonds in the rough they develop then lets hope they can hold their own in the Big 12, but the top tier isn't BYU's neighborhood for these reasons.
Perhaps there will be an adjustment in college football that puts its financing levels similar to what used to be 20-30 years ago, but I am not expecting that shift. Winning is too intoxicating for those who can win.