can't image the Crimson Tide pulling out of the Iron Bowl with Auburn or bball games due to something similar, even if they were in different conferences.

Love the Nouveau Riche analogy--spot on. Saw this in Russia as well when they were attempting to transition from communism to capitalism.

Regarding a possible invitation to the Big 12, my theory is that virtually all news that reaches the national level, positive or negative, actually helps BYU's chances. Big-time programs are regularly in the news, e,g. ESPN, SI, and all the rest, because they are relevant. Hill may inadvertently be doing us a favor by getting us more continued exposure than many lower-tier P5 teams, themselves included. P5 conferences have to be wary of adding irrelevant members, whether they realize it or not.