The stronger conferences did not have autonomy back then.

Gaining autonomy was the first step in the stated aim of the power conferences- to separate themselves from the rest. Creating de facto upper and lower divisions within FBS.

Notre Dame recognized this and has been moving ever closer to full ACC membership.

Autonomy gives them the power to institutions measures that others can adopt, if they are willing to pay for it. Every new measures adopted sees fewer non-power conference schools embracing all the adopted measures. The one adopted this year (provide medical care for up to 2 years after leaving school) is likely beyond the means of G5 schools.

Creating CFP and excluding the NCAA from its management further strengthened their position. They also control, through contractural obligations, the top 19 bowls. Of the 38 available inthose bowls, only one, a NY6 berth is available to a non-P5 school.

Bowlsby speaking for the other P5 commissioners, after the vote on autonomy, said that the power conferences and the rest operated on different planes and that they, the P5, would take care of what is important to them and not worry how it affects those on the outside.

A growing number of people believe that eventually, there will be a formal split, similar to the one that created what are now called the FBS and FCS.

It’s all about power. One does not gain more power by bringing in additional voices.