At low enough prestige levels, you will increase (even if it does not show up in the grade letter, like low C- to high C- almost a C). It is possible to increase from a D- to a D with 14 -16 wins, it is possible to increase even in the C- range to a C with 19 or 20 wins and I have seen this done at all levels in the game. I am not sure who figured it out first but the first one I saw that was activley using it was furry. You load your schedule for a year or two with easy teams, get your wins, get better recruits and you are on your way. Hope that helps you.