Couple of things regarding NET. They have simplified the NET this year. There are usually 5 factors, but I think they cut that down to like 2. See here:
https://wwwcache.ncaa.com/news/basketba ... eplace-rpi It's great that some smaller schools are getting good NET rankings, but the proof will be how they do if they get in the event. I posted before, but I think Porter and his staff figured out the NET and are playing to the metrics. Double digit wins + road wins = Higher NET. I like that we have not taken our foot off the gas this year when we have been laying it on teams. It has paid off.
Financially, it would make no sense to cut the tournament down or limit who gets in. Its about programming and $$$$. The NCAA lost over a billion dollars last year when it cancelled March Madness. People love March Madness. They are expecting huge ratings and ad dollars, just like football. When teams like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas are having mediocre years, people don't want to see them get something they did not earn. People love the underdog stories and upsets. It's what make March Madness great.