Saban wasn't going to be the coach of Alabama. Meyer was retired. And Tress had no idea about tatgate. Not that I buy into the rumors, just saying.
In regards to the 6 or 8 team format being better, like I previously stated, it removes the human element for the best teams in all 5 power conferences. Sure, the at large would still be decided upon in some subjective fashion, but there would be little conference gripes, just single institutions themselves, since all conferences would be fairly, and rightfully represented. The lower (higher) you go in the rankings the less logically sound ones argument becomes for inclusion. Someone is always going to whine. Better those whiners be 9 and 10, then 5 and 6. Or even 3 or 4 in the old shit system. The balance is finding the right setup that keeps the regular season important, while providing teams a clear path to reach a NC. First being win your conference.
Clearly in the case of the ONE TRUE CHAMPIONS conference they would be forced to submit a single champion, with the head to head going to Baylor.