I could not agree more, no way I would support a move to a conference. The flexibility to schedule whoever we want (minus the 5 ACC games) is part of what makes being an Irish fan so special. I don't really care for the ACC games but at least it gives a home to the other programs. And it does give us Clemson, Miami, FSU, UNC and others as consistent foes. I love the fact that we play so many different teams in different locations. Who else can say they have played in Ireland multiple times, Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Soldier Field, Lambeau (last year if the Big 10 didn't crap the bed) and many other cool places. Off the top of my head what school can beat the list of who we have played (some in bowl games only) in the last 10 years or so: Bama, Clemson, USC, Michigan, Stanford, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Miami, FSU (I know they suck now), BYU, Ohio State, VA Tech, AZ St, Northwestern, Wisconsin (coming up but should have been last year), Utah plus sprinkling in BC, Navy and Pitt as long-time rivals who usually put up a good fight.
I love the fact that the Irish get to travel the country playing a unique schedule. It's always great to hear how the Irish game is the "biggest game" to all these schools. Hell, Georgia had to add 500 extra seats for the Irish. The positives way outweigh the negatives. I also love it that our margin for error is smaller if we want to make the CFP. When we get in we have earned it, not passed through a weak schedule and win a weak conference (I'll call that the Oklahoma method). If Clemson was not so dominant how crappy would the ACC be? We had 1 decent win in my opinion last year and that was at UNC (not counting Clemson). I also fundamentally hate the conference payouts that do not punish the crap teams. You think Clemson is glad they have to share their hard won revenue with Ga Tech, Wake, etc?
No thanks. Independence is the way!