While, yes, the big conference schools have gotten far smarter about poaching talent since 2006, and the transfer rules have/could make it worse, people can also point out three of the top six AP teams to "finish" the year were not from the big conferences... Which is pretty impressive, really.
Is that the norm? B/c this year was a supposed down year which means a lot of poaching so next year isn't a down year for the blue bloods.
I don't think its the norm and I share your worry, but the second you use the "its unfair" argument that's the justified response.... Thing is, if Mason, either program, was building toward a top four A10 finish in a kids last year...most won't leave. But under the present circumstances pretty hard to justify staying for team that finished like the women did...men, not too much better rationale to stay, if any...