as more than just another 'Group of 6' conference. They would have all the schools on the short list for the next power-conference call up.

By weakening both the MWC and AAC, the champion of the PAC w/ Memphis would rank ahead of the champions of the thinned-out MWC and AAC plus the Sun Belt, MAC, and CUSA nearly always...and even see occasions where their champion would rank AHEAD of the ACC or Big 12 champ and earn a Round 1 bye.

Instead, the AAC will compete with the PAC, Sun Belt, MAC, CUSA, and MWC for the last conference champion spot and the #12 seed.