I am not so sure I agree with much of your sentiment. This feels like the "old way of ND thinking" and not sure that view is going to fly much longer in the future. I believe patience is wearing thin by many.
The ACC bailed quickly on ND when it came to advocating with conference teams for the CFB. That is knowing that ND has the 5 game agreement with them for football and other major sports (except hockey) are in their conference. Yet this still didn't matter...they turned their back on ND without hesitation.
I'm not so sure the SEC or Big 10 is "chomping at the bit" to admit ND to their conferences. In the past, I do think the Big 10 really wanted them to join. But that was prior to adding more schools. They have not forgotten ND spurning their offer and will never agree to ND having their own major network TV contract. ND in the SEC is not really a fit...not sure they want a "Yankee" school in their conference and an "uppity school" in their eyes. They already have Vandy. They will also never agree to ND having their own TV deal.
The best fit for ND by far is the Big 10, and I think there will need to be some fences mended on the part of ND with some of the schools that have influence. From the past spurn of joining the conference to dropping some of the schools from ND schedule in recent years. I believe the Big 10 will believe "they hold the cards" when it comes to future negotiating.
ND was left out on an island during this year's CFB selections...no one advocated for them and why should a P4 conference do so, when their responsibilities comes first to their conference members. ND is now the ONLY major football power that is independent....I believe their scheduling will get more difficult with P4 teams. Making friends is pretty darn important.
I do agree that the landscape will change more, and there is something to possibly waiting....just not sure the Irish have all the time they wish to make that call.