I would rather lose in the playoffs for the simple reason that by virtue of being in the playoffs we had a chance to win it all... something that the Sugar Bowl can't offer.
While I agree these non-starters, etc. fill an important role, I disagree that all should be allowed in the man trip. This is a rite of passage and a goal to be achieved. There is too much of everybody gets a trophy in our society as it is.
By unflattering I assume you are referring to the past labor unrest. This is not unique to the coal industry; the steel industry's labor history is almost identical to coal's and I hardly see Pittsburgh or Western PA trying to separate themselves from their steel heritage (i.e, The Steelers)...
The online streaming of some of the games has to be helping to generate interest. Between the online games and those on Fox I've seen more games this season than in the last 40 years combined.