The B12 did lose the top 2 teams but is probably more balanced top to bottom than the pac 12 ever was.
Yes, being an Independent should have helped somewhat in preparing the team for play in the B12, but we were still operating at a big revenue disadvantage (and still are for our first 2 yrs in the B12).
We'll have to re-evaluate how this all goes after year 3 then. I'm still optimistic. What will you say if we get to a bowl game this year? 🙂