Scholarship crunch isn't really valid nowadays. If prime Michael Jordan was eligible and desirous to come to BYU, he would be on BYU's team, no matter what. Guys would be told to leave on their
mission or to transfer or other available options.

Feelings would be hurt. But every coach would still do it for the sake of the program.
If you really believe in a player that wants to play for you, you'll find a way to get him on the team.

Having said that, talent evaluation is really difficult, so it's hard to justify cutting anyone for someone else if they aren't a sure fire Blue Chip recruit.

So I don't fault Pope for not making adjustments to make room for ashworth. Hindset is 20/20 so if he knew then what he knows now, I'm sure he would have found a way to get him.