You were pretty big on UTEP back then. Scenario B looks like your best. But you were like me, I never really considered Nebraska to the Big 10. But looking back I don't know why I didn't. It seems to obvious now, they are a perfect fit.
But anyway, my question to you, does UTEP get a serious look still?
For the MWC, sure, if they lost schools, CUSA lost schools, or MWC went to 16. Gotta think that UTEP would make the move if TCU hadn't left, same with Houston. Instead, both passed citing lack of interest. But, gotta think if 16 happened across the board, that the MWC would need to do something to make a play to keep up (since they likely wouldnt' lose any schools to BCS conferences).
As for 10 years ago, the Big 12 was new and strong. Colorado and Nebraska were the powers, more so than Texas an Oklahoma. So if never looked like they would be so raided other than Missouri, which does fit in better with the Big Ten.
Fast forward a decade and wow. Things change. Big 12 is still stronger than two other BCS conferences yet it's the one poised to fold. Go figure.