About 50% or more of our best players are guys that didn't go on missions in any given year (ziggy, van noy, koroma, Mike Davis, Fred Warner, Jamal Williams, and the list goes on and on over the decades). If it was that BIG of an advantage this ratio wouldnt be so high. Explain that.

A). Those complaining are ignorant about what a mission entails
B). They never talk about how missions have put us in a disadvantage in terms of constantly reshuffling personnel. Particularly historically before the missionary age change.
C). These people never talk about the disproportionately high number of 5 star atheletes that go to schools outside of BYU decide not to go despite this "alleged tremendous advantage" (i.e. Damian Mama, etc).
D) Many, many recruits have also stated over the years that when they tell coaches they plan to go on a mission, they discourage them or stop recruiting despite this "alleged advantage".
E). They don't respect the fact that we are severely disadvantaged by our honor code requirements when it comes to recruiting. Any gains from mission age are grossly offset by our honor code and GPA requirements.
F). They never bring up the fact that we actually honor and stand behind the rules regardless of consequences (i.e. Brandon Davis, Harvey Unga, Hadley -- flip side look at other schools including the clowns up north and so many other schools, i.e. Hatfield).

Look, do we have an advantage in some ways, possibly but these advantages I feel are grossly offset by disadvantages.