So basically:
NCAA: Here's our decision and here's how we made it
GT: But (X) shouldn't be considered
NCAA appeals: GT is right NCAA, (X) should not be considered and we want you to reassess
NCAA: OK, we will reconsider........(huddles in the corner, acts like it's a serious discussion)
NCAA: We have decided that (X) should not be considered. However, we like our penalty and don't really want to change it because then we'd actually have to investigate and do work......
GT: OK fine, we appeal based on you saying (X) should not be considered but yet you clearly considered it and handed down a punishment so egregious when compared to the crime when (X) is not involved
NCAA: YEAH?!?!?! SO WHAT!!!!!!
GT: We appeal.
NCAA appeals: As much as we wanted to stay out of this and not even consider GT, NCAA you really screwed the pooch and made it blatantly obvious. NCAA if you're going to disregard what we say, at least make it seem like you tried hearing us.
GT: Thank you, NCAA appeals for following precedent and making a rash, just ruling.
NCAA: SCREW EVERYONE WHO DOESN'T PONY UP FOR A MEGA EXPENSIVE LAWYER WHO WILL STROKE OUR EGOS. ACC, WE COMMAND YOU TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG WITH GT SO WE CAN PUNISH THEM FOR DARING TO ASK FOR A FAIR HEARING AND JUSTICE WITHOUT PERFORMING THE NECESSARY EGO STROKE!!!!!!! WHO CARES THAT THE AGGRAVATING FACTOR SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT FROM THE BEGINNING. IT'S OUR WORLD AND WE RULE!!!!!!!!!!!