i heard an interview with David stern yesterday where he talked about when he sent the Jazz and suns to Japan to open the season. Stern said the Suns coach called him after nearly every loss to complain about the travel and so he was thrilled when the Jazz and suns met in the playoffs so he wouldn't have to hear it for the series.

Unrelated I know but my point is as long as there is a descepancy like this (for or against the big 12) someone will complain that this difference is to blame. If it's the SEC that loses out the "outrage" will be loud