bigger issue, imo, is that our season is over after one loss. It will be nearly impossible for an independent BYU to make it to the playoffs no matter what the conferences think of us.

Maybe if all the conferences accept BYU as a P5 opponent, and BYU plays well for years, the perception may slowly change. But, I think it'll be extremely difficult as an independent to get there. I think we need to get in a P5 conference or every year will be a disappointment as soon as we lose a single game.