That's for sure. I think it would be hard even in HD 3.0 although the far from home preference may help. But in D2, the distance is tough to overcome with lack of recruiting dollars. However, you can do free recruiting with attention points, so that would be an interesting test, as I was able, in Beta, to win D1 recruits at D2 with only attention points.
In HD 3.0 I really think Hawaii could be a great location though because you can recruit all Hawaii recruits and it's hard for a team to spend enough to come to the island from the mainland. I have Hawaii in one world - can't remember which name the world is, and that's the one I am most looking forward to because I have been wallowing in mediocrity for the several seasons I have been there.