What would happen if a conference winner only won 7 games, that automatic bid is rejected? As for the 1-A teams, I think a 6-6 Northern Illinois team probably appreciates a bowl more than a 6-6 Tennessee or Alabama team would. I've seen major conference teams sleepwalk through their minor bowls too often but the "midmajors" usually go all out. That's one reason I wouldn't want the 1-A requirement to be higher, it's a way for the smaller conference teams to build up their programs.

Something else similar to this I was reading the other day, I will try and find a link. There was some discussion on the 1-AA title winner getting either an automatic bid to a 1-A bowl, or getting a bid if there weren't enough 6 game winners to fill them all. I'd never heard that before so it might be wishful thinking.