Good point. I've been told for decades that there aren't any people in DC willing to help cover up an illicit affair.
For the record, I never thought for a second that there was any validity to the Gonzaga to the B-12 rumors that were floated (and in all candor, I thought Yormark was pulling a Schwarzenegger, seeing if the P-12 would panic and jump on Gonzaga). However, if this is part of their plan, at the moment they can offer likely nearly double the media revenues that the BE can and down the road the disparity can grow substantially. I also believe there could be a prisoner's dilemma situation where, knowing if you aren't one of the few to jump, someone else can, end up with a far better payday while cutting what those remaining could receive.
I'm pretty sure that you were on the Big East Boards (~2004-~2012) back in the day. I remember debating often with some St John's fans who were convinced that Notre Dame would leave the catholic schools when the (inevitable) split happened. I fully hope the BE (whether we are or are not a member) remains with all current private school members and I hope the conference can stay competitive for decades (after I'm gone it won't matter). Hopefully all private school members are thinking along the same lines.