[M T]

I'd think a probable loss on their record is much more important (incl. for financial reasons) than the actual cost of the trip.

Stanford needs potential opponent coaches who want their teams honed against a team like Stanford, even if it is a loss.  With this year's musical chairs, maybe most coaches couldn't figure out their own teams, much less who would be good to play, when it was time to schedule.

Stanford would benefit from other strong teams in the area.

I would have to think Stanford doesn't sit by the phone waiting for someone to call for a date.  I'm sure they were actively trying to schedule better teams.  That's who Tara is.   As I said, I suspect most coaches said "We're not sure we'll be ready in preseason to take on a top-4 team.  Thanks, but no thanks."

As for the pre-season tourneys, I'm sure they try to land a top team early and then to fill in who else they can, within their budgets.   I expect those budgets continue to be tight.

[M T]

I'd think a probable loss on their record is much more important (incl. for financial reasons) than the actual cost of the trip.

Stanford needs potential opponent coaches who want their teams honed against a team like Stanford, even if it is a loss.  With this year's musical chairs, maybe most coaches couldn't figure out their own teams, much less who would be good to play, when it was time to schedule.

Stanford would benefit from other strong teams in the area.

I would have to think Stanford doesn't sit by the phone waiting for someone to call for a date.  I'm sure they were actively trying to schedule better teams.  That's who Tara is.   As I said, I suspect most coaches said "We're not sure we'll be ready in preseason to take on a top-4 team.  Thanks, but no thanks."

As for the pre-season tourneys, I'm sure they try to land a top team early and then to fill in who else they can, within their budgets.   I expect those budgets continue to be tight.