Until the NCAA implements a Div 1 play-off system we will forever have these debates. Unfortunately the money is more important to the big conferences and universities.
The money isn't the real problem, most of the major conferences have come around to favoring the playoffs, most of the coaches, of course most of the fans, and many presidents have now come around. The only impediments now are the Pac 10, Rose Bowl, Big 10(sic) and their commissioner Jim Delany.
This article is an eye-opener, and infuriating at the same time:
[College Football]Playoff Plunderer (Big 10's Jim Delany)
We will get the start of a playoff no later than 2011, and any 1+ or more playoff will soon evolve into a complete 10 to 16 playoff system, while saving the bowls pretty much how they are.