I was hoping this conversation was close to being finished but since it isn’t, here’s my two cents worth.
Past success of a conference SHOULD be a factor in conference team selection BUT ONLY IF it relates to individual team continuity. If a team was good in a previous year and returns a core nucleus then, by all means, give them the benefit of the doubt. Let’s say, for instance, that Duke, UNC, Clemson, Virginia, NC State, return a lot of their players next year. We can assume they will probably be at least above average teams, and if their records are good, very strong teams. Let’s also posit that Tech looks competitive in the conference next year. I would definitely think Tech should be given the benefit of the doubt if they are on the bubble for the tournament based on the previous conference’s performance.
This is very different than a preseason football poll that says, as they did several years in a row without any real evidence, “We think Tennessee is going to be good this year because they are in the SEC.”