I agree. I had been in the "make them stay against their will no matter what" camp, but now I'm all for getting the timing lined up for all the major changes (conference alignment, playoffs). It just makes sense.Then it would be best to negotiate a buyout. Put a big 12 team in the playoffs that is not OuT. Worst would be for them to get in and make a little noise. Best to keep them pretty irrelevant
Having said that, I wouldn't sign off on them leaving early unless the conference benefits in some additional ways besides just getting rid of them and getting the timing lined up. I still want compensation from them.