We are overthinking this.
We have a few top teams, the Skers, a few better mid-majors, and some cannon fodder, just like we do every year. And the previous post is right, the non-con SOS is likely better, and possibly much better.
We aren't backsliding in media coverage due to this schedule because we have established ourselves as a high major brand, and if we wind up drawing significantly less then shame on the fans.
The only thing sucky is the lack of a marquee home game, otherwise it's fine; if we were starting the Zaga series here no one would be whining.
I can deal with it.