re: Why is the B1G considered so relevant?

Sadly, as others have said, this one is easy. The SEC sells the steak, the Big10 sells the sizzle. It doesn't matter if they've under performed in a massive way. They've got the fans that they will still be pushed to the moon.

While the money may be good (but wait until the travel fees start to add up) I suspect some of the PAC-12 teams that jumped ship are going to have COVID level crowds once the newness wears off and you've got Rutgers coming into town late in the season. We know the LA schools rarely draw a decent crowd as is.