I know my son would have preferred that because as you say going to the Hawaii bowl is pretty much just like a home game for them although they will be in a Hotel and will do all of the bowl activities.
But BYU taking the families of staff over actual players is ridiculous IMO. Players should go first and then they can figure out who else can go. These guys, right down to the lowliest walk on or redshirt, put in so much time and work were as the families of the assistant AD for whatever didn't do anything at all.