From what I can glom, the AAU is about research grants. So rankings be damned.
Having their schools in the AAU, the Big 10 public relations office gets to pump out its collective chest while exclaiming “Look how much research we are doing. We’re going to save the world.” Although they aren’t outwardly mentioning the AAU, current Big 10 “recruiting ads” during the sporting events are pushing that narrative.
Having said that, if FSU and/or Clemson get the invite, I’ll be back here to congratulate you.