A 9-3 season would pay big dividends in recruiting and fan interest. 7-5 is certainly better than 5-7 by a long shot, but it's a pretty forgettable season.
And looking at the schedule, it would probably mean that BYU was 7-1 going into that game against Utah, ranked, and in serious contention for a playoff spot deep into the season. I can't believe any fan wouldn't find that season way more fun, even if it always came with the frustration of a loss against the rival that knocked them out of contention.