[Giants]

To this point, neither school has been considered because they bring no revenue producing athletic value.  The sole reason they are under review is because of their academic prowess.

Absolutely true. Neither Stanford nor Cal brings any revenue producing athletic value, alone or in combination. End of story.

If they were to be voted in to the ACC, their primary function would be to raise the overall academic standing of the conference.

I don't agree here at all. While Stanford would indeed raise the overall academic standard, this is at best a tertiary consideration. If we get in, it will be because ESPN adds a full share and we take none of it. Everybody else gets say 8 million dollars more per year. The problem appears to be that isn't enough for some of the members. It is still about money, and little else.

I agree with your second point, perhaps I should have been more clear.  I am assuming the payout to both schools will be minimal at best.  For that reason, both Stanford or Cal would still be welcomed because of their academic status.  If Oregon State and WSU were willing to forego anything more than a minimal payout, would they be under consideration?  I doubt it because they do not have the same academic reputation.

[Giants]

To this point, neither school has been considered because they bring no revenue producing athletic value.  The sole reason they are under review is because of their academic prowess.

Absolutely true. Neither Stanford nor Cal brings any revenue producing athletic value, alone or in combination. End of story.

If they were to be voted in to the ACC, their primary function would be to raise the overall academic standing of the conference.

I don't agree here at all. While Stanford would indeed raise the overall academic standard, this is at best a tertiary consideration. If we get in, it will be because ESPN adds a full share and we take none of it. Everybody else gets say 8 million dollars more per year. The problem appears to be that isn't enough for some of the members. It is still about money, and little else.

I agree with your second point, perhaps I should have been more clear.  I am assuming the payout to both schools will be minimal at best.  For that reason, both Stanford or Cal would still be welcomed because of their academic status.  If Oregon State and WSU were willing to forego anything more than a minimal payout, would they be under consideration?  I doubt it because they do not have the same academic reputation.