I hate this thread for multiple reasons, but I have to put my hat in the ring too.
Yes, the Big East saved us from death in the AAC. The AAC was not really all that good for our football team, and you could make the argument that the existence of the AAC is why Houston and UCF are in the Big12 and we aren't. And it was horrible for our basketball programs.
But good God almighty, if anyone on this thread is arguing that the Big East is great for us and that we wouldn't accept a Big12 invite in a New York minute, I would recommend that person to seek serious medical help...