Tim Leonard is the beat writer for RPI who coordinates the poll.  I would
say he's the best of the beat writers in that area, so whether the paper is
rinky-dink or not is irrelevant to me.
 
He took over the poll when the Albany Times Union decided to give it up.
From what he has told me, five coaches from each conference, 2 writers from
each conference, and one scout is included.  The scout is the one who kept
voting for BU for the longest time when Maine was unbeaten.  I don't know
who it is.
 
Personally, I think it's the most comprehensive, and therefore reliable, poll.
 
                                      AW