Thanks BG for the posts.
At least the candidates appear to be narrowing down. I tended to think the final candidates would be between LaTech and North Texas, but talk of UTEP has hung in there. However, UTEP has a basketball tradition (old Texas Western - liked that name really) and draws comparatively well in football, though winning seasons are hard to come by for them.
El Paso is no short distance, even to Dallas. UTEP does not want to be in a conference with close by New Mexico State? Obviously, they have played them regularly anyway, and it has to be clouded thinking that being in the same conference hurts, recruiting or otherwise. But then, TCU ran away from SMU! Go figure. Much of these moves are basically lateral, unless one is moving from the SunBelt.
The MWC, IMO, is no huge step up from C-USA or the WAC. Now, unrealistically, if the PAC 10, Big 12, or the SEC came calling upon any of them, that would be profoundly different.

Yes, it's a shame when close rivals can't be in the same conference. Arrogance.