Since the thread won't seem to die, let me chip in that, as I recall DS originally used TCU scheduling due to moving to a new conference as the primary problem. Maybe I am not reading well, but that issue seems to take a back seat in this thread to hard feelings developing, if even mentioned at all.
I feel certain that MU wanted to play them at least once with Firin' Byron at the helm and I don't think TCU wanted any part of that, but I am not in a position to know. I can see how MU could develop some bad feelings if the series was relegated to far in the future, especially with MU brass that must have been knowing dark clouds were just beginning to gather over our Program for 2003-2008.
Without checking, I believe that is was around this time that TCU suffered a home loss to a I-AA/FCS and sensitivities over thee could have been elevated because of it. Our such pooch-screw came later at the hands of NH when Snyder held Bernie Morris out too long.
2001-2002 was our time to shine, and the 2003/4 Herd was deep and talented ( led by the Father of Sacketry in Johnathan Goddard ) as evidenced by @OSU and @UGA, although our key MAC performances in ought-three and '04 left the conspiracy meter shaking violently.
p2m