So, I've seen a few threads, but I'm still uncertain how this actually works, or how to correctly improve your homecourt rating...

I saw that some people schedule easier homefield non-con games, but wouldn't that just ruin my RPI and such for seasons I wish to contend? If I spend the early years of rebuilding on stacking easy teams in my home Non-Con games, will the rating stick around or does it change each season when recruits leave/graduate..etc?

Its a balancing act. Looking to build on Home court you do schedule games you think you can win (I rarely schedule SIMS) and still not hurt your RPI. What I tend to do is look at that the team I schedule will look like. 5-6 graduating seniors after this year? Not loaded with a lot of talented Juniors (who will be next years seniors)?

When you have your program set up with a contender for at least making the post seasons every year or most..then you schedule for com-petition

Do you mean their RPI? or their Prestige? yes there is no RPI at the beginning of the season. Their prestige is determined after the season is concluded and carries over (why I pick a talented team that maybe in a rebuild mode but yet has a good prestige).

I think I've read homecourt improves with overall team success; I'm not sure winning more home games than away games = a better homecourt rating.  That said, it really only comes into play at D1.  At D2 it's tough to get it above a B and at D3 it's tough to get over a C.  But that A or A+ at D1 equates to a 5-7 point swing when you're the home team.