I’ve been in the academic research industry for decades and I’ve only had one conversation where the AAU came up. And that was by me when I saw that Nebraska had gotten the boot. That’s it. NOBODY else cares (except here for some odd reason). NOBODY is awarded research dollars because they are at an AAU institution. NOBODY collaborates with another researcher because they are at an AAU institution. Research dollars go to where the best research proposals are generated and the stronger research with the best facilities in that discipline. Research collaborations happen between researchers who can best contribute to the project goals (although sometimes geographical proximity and past academic connections - just like hiring asst coaches - can influence that decision as well). And the same goes for conference affiliation. Nobody at VT is collaborating with someone because they’re at an ACC school.