#1 in real life elite schools have huge advantages - bigger than in HD, I think
#3 I think status of recruiting should be fuzzy - if it were disclosed mathematically it would be too easy
#7 It isnt money spent, it is effort made toward the recruit. What should matter other than recruiting effort? Well, school prestige is a factor, but I would not urge that it be more important. When the effort is made could matter more. One could add texture to recruiting - kid wants a school in cold or warm climate, strong academics, party school, prior history of recruiting from the high school or town....?
#8 if not recruit at the beginning, when recruit?