Oh no no no, this is precisely about schools like ASU. You see, schools like that don't have the fortitude or grit to go all in and go after that national title and be behind their football 100%. They want to look around and look up to big brother and say "hey, go be great so we can tag along. But, also we're going to slander you, beg you, cheat you, and make the game against you the biggest on our schedule every year. But you're totally fucked up if you cut us off because we're too half ass committed to our own program to establish our own identity other than being an underdog and trying to ruin your season. Get that TV money though big bro, we need it!"
That applies to about 60 programs
Tech, TCU, Baylor, most of the Pac 12. Everyone in the ACC not named Florida State or Clemson. The fans (you said so yourself), the media, the schools are tired of the nobodies hanging on. They want to see big games on big stages.
The pip squeaks free ride is over. And the gall they have to be pissed is a GD joke. AZ State has been in the Pac 12 for 44 years!!!!! They've had 44 years to get it together and simply chose not to. Again, it's on you (the fans, alumni, boosters). Stop blaming the schools that are looking out for their best interest when that's exactly what the pip squeaks are trying to do by begging to stay relevant and acting like their cause is somehow more noble. You had your chance, you blew it.