I don't doubt the landscape has changed, especially with the transfer portal - on how these tourney's work. I would think typically in the past - these MTE events would come down to connections (knowing the right people in the industry to get you into a good event) and the ability to forecast your team is going to be pretty good based on previous years performance and roster make-up, etc.
I don't think the connections part has changed, but certainly the forecasting has become more difficult. But - you must adapt with the times. I would expect many of these events are talked about more than 1 year in advance, where maybe teams are "penciled" in or a handshake agreement is worked out. I can't imagine all 300 D1 teams are scrambling at the end of the season to determine their MTE for next year. With that being said - we should have been in a good spot for decent tourney. Look at our results the last few years.
2022 - NCAA tourney, win first round game.
2023 - 13-14
2024 - Tie for Win A10 regular season and make NIT.
So 2 out of the last 3 years, most would argue, successful seasons. And especially last year - winning the A10 regular season with a heavy transfer roster.
Then look around the A10 and ask yourself - how did these teams get in better events?
St. Joes - Legends classic - played Texas and Texas Tech.
UMASS - HOF Tipoff - play Temple and Florida State.
Loyola - Diamond Head Classic (Hawaii) - play Oakland, then winner/loser of Oregon State and Charleston.
Bonnies - NIT Tip Off - Bonnies, North Texas, Utah State, and Northern Iowa.
I wouldn't put these teams as leaps and bounds above UR the past few years, yet they were able to get into decent (not great) events. But also aside from the MTE events, you need to get probably 2 really good games on your own as well. These need to be either P5 programs, or top level mid-major programs. This year - we got Auburn. Thats it. If we had 1 more game on that level and a better MTE, I don't think there would be as many complaints about the schedule.
But I guess the question is - is this a relationship/connections program - we just don't have those in our program?