What proof do you have that the reason we are the most hated/loved team is because we aren't in a conference? Because people in conferences tell you? Can you cite anything more than your anecdotal perceptions? I think it has to do with a lot of other things - being reasonably successful at a number of sports, while trying to be reasonably Catholic, for example. Being Catholic is a part of who we are, and it does make things difficult for us when it comes to butt-kissing a lot of mainstream opinion. But I don't have proof either, that this is really the issue. But your argument - "they will all like us more in a conference" - seems just like, well, your opinion, man.