The criteria was set up to ensure that Michigan and tOSU were the top dogs in separate divisions. They went with competetive balance but they used criteria that ensured Michigan was still a top dog. If they would have used something like a 10year competitive balance, the divisions would have panned out much different. They didn't. They used a longer window so it ensured Michigan was a top dog. Protected games were set up to ensure that Michigan and tOSU would continue their annual game.
Now tell me why they protected Wisconsin/Minn instead of Wisconsin/Iowa? It is because it was a better game? More competitve balance? Was it because Iowa no longer wanted Wisconsin? Or was it because Wisconsin had a little more influence and got to pick their protected rival? I am guessing Iowa did not pick Purdue and MSU did not pick Indiana. In short, the Big 10 pecking order went. Michigan/tOSU, Nebby/Penn St, Wisconsin. The rest got stuck.
Let me clarify that I am not mocking anyones rival. I am just stating that in every conference, there are haves and have nots. Their are schools whose voices ring much, much louder than others. Their are schools that grab coat tails, hang on and don't rock the boat. The statement that one confernence is equal and has parity because of "equal revenue sharing" is laughable.