colonels, i hate to say it, but you are starting to sound like, 10% as stubborn as you were in the old days :O
the reality here is that your team has not succeeded in d2 (i personally think you did fine - but the game isnt smart enough to give hawii coaches a bonus, and i dont think you can fault it for that, honestly). the reason the game doesnt let people move up to d1 without a certain level of success, is, if you cant consistently make it in d2, you are going to get FLATTENED in d1. sure, you CAN move up after back to back 1st rounds, like you did. but ask on the forums if you SHOULD - and you will get a resounding, no. you really need to be able to make it consistently in d2, win some NT games, to have a chance in d1. in d1, all those coaches were pretty much at least that successful, and many much, much more successful, in the lower divisions. and being new to d1 recruiting is a major uphill battle. having a major disadvantage in both those areas is just too big. i recommend coaches wait till they can get a d1 job that is in decent shape, not a total rebuild, or at least a c- prestige or something so you have something to work with.
otherwise, you go to d1 and struggle too much, and that often leads to coaches getting frustrated and giving up, or whatever. if you are having fun in d2, i suggest, stay (maybe not at hilo, maybe get a main land job and try to build a solid d2 program). stay until you have grown, reached a level of mastery that would give you a chance in hell at d1. d1 is a lot different, a lot more competitive. i think once you get used to it, there are d2/d3 situations that are as tough to win a title in as d1, but d1 presents a unique challenge in recruiting, and a lot of coaches cant cut it there, even guys who are really, really successful, in d2 and d3.
anyway, you may agree, you may not - but the game has its rules for a reason. i personally think coaches should wait longer than HD suggests. and no, they are not 100% consistent - but it is decently consistent. if you disagree, find me a guy who made it to d1 without making the NT in their last 4 seasons (in d2, not in d1) :) usually, you need back to back NT appearances (or that PIT champ would count for one - do you have a good season in you next year?)
1/23/2013 12:14 PM (edited)