I don't think not liking the MAC/Sun Belt Challenge is "talking down" to the Sun Belt. In its current format, it has yet to suit either conference. When the Sun Belt has had top 50-75 teams, the MAC's best teams have been ~100+. When the MAC has had top 50-75 teams, the Sun Belt's best teams have been 100+. For the challenge to be beneficial, the top teams each year need to consistently be in the same range for NET. Taking up valuable dates in November & February is expensive for the resume. If the extension allows for conference expansion discussions, that works for me. Otherwise, this is puzzling.
Or circumstances changed. Would've love to be a fly on the wall when these discussions were taking place.