Both from the autonomy status that they have (which is huge) as well as the quality of play. Yes, the "top" of the new PAC is basically the same as the MWC, but by going about things this way, they are able to shed the "bottom" of the conference and only take the programs that add some level of competitive value. As such, it puts them in a position to stay above the MWC and AAC giving their conference champion a realistic shot at an auto-bid into the playoffs more often than not.