I've been a proponent of independence over a G5 conference, because what I think they would have to give up to join the AAC/MWC isn't worth the benefits I think they get from being an independent for football (emphasis on "think", as I don't know).

With independence, I think they get:
1. More money from the ESPN contract
2. Flexibility over scheduling around the country (aka visibility)
3. BYUTV access and programming
4. An easier path to inclusion in a P5 conference someday, if you assume that a G5 conference might lock BYU in (not sure on this)

With a G5 conference, I think they get:
1. A chance to win a conference championship
2. A path to a NY6 bowl
3. Potential access to the playoffs under the new playoff proposal

It's hard to quantity the impact to recruiting as an independent v. G5 conference member, so I left that off.

What am I missing? Is the money truly better for BYU now compared to what it would get in the AAC? Does the playoff access truly change the game?