Also can't be overlooked that this move is as much an indictment on the AAC for failing to build the conference in a sustainable way to position itself as a true power conference. While some additions were stong net positives (Houston, Memphis, UCF), the additions at the bottom of the league were so catastrophic and shortsighted (Tulane, ECU, Tulsa) that no one could take the league seriously as a power conference.
It also hamstrung the TV deal, added unnecessary travel for everyone, and watered down the overall product. The fact that removing those three schools from the conference would be seen as a HUGE step up for the league is all you need to know about how bad of an idea they were.