I agree with you that Bronco did very well here, all things considered, but trying to compare his time with LaVell's is just silly.
Your description of the LaVell era minimizes his accomplishments to an absurd degree. You say, "Many like to romanticize the Lavell-era which had some great highs, but we averaged around 9 wins as a whole with a WAC schedule in a easier time for BYU to compete."
What?!?!?!?
LaVell built a nationally respected program from the ground up, put tons of guys in the NFL (including some all time greats), helped revolutionize the way the game of football is played, and won a national freaking championship.
Again, I agree that Bronco did well here, but his accomplishments do not compare to LaVell's.
Bronco was and is a good coach, LaVell is a legend.