One of the most thorough, detailed articles on college athletics I’ve ever read. Mountain of data to why a CIAA school taking a MEAC invite is highly unlikely.
https://hbcugameday.com/2022/05/10/can-a...e-meac-di/

D2 is a losing end of the deal since D1 may keep the money 100% for themselves. That means a lot less money from D1 to help championship games. Problem is, several D2 conferences became mega conferences, and less money to distribute to the schools. They don't have media deals to fall back onto like you do in D1. Pros to going to D1? You get a much bigger share in conference payouts than you do at D2.