I'm singling out this part of your post for good reason. I agree with everything you said. But how we are perceived Nationally, is largely based on how we are perceived locally, and largely based on how we perceive our own program. So by believing (and I'm not talking blindly either, because we have a track record of success at the highest level) but truly believing we are a superior program, matters. It matters. And when you post things like worried about Michigan, well... you're worried we aren't a superior program and you might slump into settling for something less, and you know what... the perception of our program becomes exactly what you make of it.
So believe it, because how you perceive our program ultimately matters not only how we are perceived, but the future success you and I so dearly want to achieve.
That said, perception is absolutely nothing without support from its fans and I'm talking about both your physical and financial support.
