ND is not aligned with the SEC in any way. ND wants the largest number of at large spots as possible, whether or not it benefits the SEC. If the ACC could get it together they could take as many at large spots as possible as well. There is precious little upside from NDs perspective to give up independence. The ACC would get a financial windfall if ND would join. Any other ACC school would not just agree to, give up this, give up that… just to “ be a good partner”. It’s not an evil scheme. It is a continuation of a contractual arrangement that runs to 2036 that is clearly mutually beneficial. If you and others want to whip ACC fans into a “ let’s get them, let’s force them” so be it.
Keep in mind on a personal level, I am more open to membership than most, most certainly more than TerryD. 2020, in fact, did more to dissuade any momentum to join full time. The only game that moved the needle was Clemson and it was previously scheduled. ACC looks at 2020 “saving” our season when in fact it was an opportunity lost.