The relatively strength of the conferences is *already* factored in exactly as is necessary by the RPI, and at the team level (which is obviously how one should evaluate admission to the NCAA tourny). I guess we shouldn't be shocked to add innumeracy to the list of NC$$ virtues. The only real question is whether it's a "get the MAAC" or a "get the ECAC" move. But we can't bitch too much -- the solution is right there: win the NC games and the bogus league strength factor work in one's favor, then step back and watch the hissy fit of the new "number four" league. ;-) The only real significance of this posturing is that it now becomes even harder for weaker programs from any league to schedule NC games. All-in-all , a questionable strategy for a league which ostensibly is inviting new membership and trying to hold on to the borderline programs already there. -- Greg HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.