That is sort of what is happening with the PAC. Only 2 original members remain that were/are P5 programs, WSU and OSU. They pick up several G5, MWC schools to get to 8 members and hope to remain a P5 conference. But, are they? Schools are joining in hope that they will. If the PAC keeps its P5 status after this, why not start a conference with the top remaining G5 schools that are not in the PAC, MWC or MAC?
Just for fun to play around with this concept (feel free to show your picks), would you go with 12 or 14 schools? Other options might include Liberty and FAU.
Tulane, Memphis, Louisiana, Rice, Texas State or UTSA, N. Texas
USF, App State, Marshall or JMU, ECU, Army, Navy
This would be as strong a conference as the new PAC. If the PAC will be considered and accepted as a P5 conference, would this conference garner the same respect?