so let's consider your current proposals.

Dropping non revs was your first thought and certainly just like cutting losing divisions frees up cash to be reallocated, however, the reality of whether it is a good idea goes a lot deeper than dollars and cents. The first blow to how realistic it is are Title IX considerations and balancing the numbers. That is before you even consider the public relations and perception impact. It is also before you consider what it says about participating in an all sports conference. Cutting non revs is generally a very bad idea reserved for programs in complete disarray and ones that have lost major benefactors that provided the foundation for their original existence.

Your proposals about forcing the ACC's hand, demanding better games, forcing their hand in expansion and ultimately considering withdrawal hinge on a lot of factors. VT's previous experience in the Metro, A-10 and Big East coupled with observing how things are playing out in the Big 12 provide a lot of cautionary evidence about how not to conduct conference business through threats, strong arming, etc., if you want to build a strong, cohesive conference. Furthermore, advocating VT take a more FSU like approach ignores the obvious reality that their positions of leverage are vastly different. Working behind the scenes in VT's case is much more likely to yield results as opposed to public sabre rattling. Threatening to leave the conference is a lot like leaving a job. You should already have a better and secure landing spot, not only for leverage, but, just in case they take you up on that offer. I need to see your math about how you believe they can make up a $50 million exit fee within five years as I strongly doubt that is realistic. While you're on the math train you need to further explain how you arrive at a $5 million difference between hosting FSU versus BC as there does not seem to be enough unsold tickets(based on average attendance) to make that difference up and it is doubtful concessions and increased donations to secure tickets will make that much difference either.

VT does need to constantly adjust to the changing landscape and be its own strongest advocate. I trust Whit and Dr. Sands to be keenly attuned to the best way to get there and much more informed than Dr. Wallace Loh's "they play games" approach or your shoot first/ask questions later suggestions. If you want him to learn something, it is my opinion you need to put a lot more thought in to your plan.