One is in a conference, the other isn't in a conference. I still don't see this supposed "conference value".
I find the only value of a conference would be to help schedule quality games in October and November. I personally feel like we are already playing the teams in the Mtn West I want to play on a yearly basis, and think the independence schedules have been much better and far more exciting!
Our current setup is nice if we can play our old MWC foes 2-6 times a decade, and have a annual rivalry with 2-3 MWC teams. I don't want to play UNLV, New Mexico, Wyoming, San Jose State, Nevada every single year.