I don't really like the new names, but division names that mean absolutely nothing, relative to location, tells me a couple of things. The Big Ten isn't even close to done with expansion, and they didn't want to be restricted in which division they could put new members.
Lakes and Plains would have left out many of the possible targets that we've discussed in the expansion thread. Directional names would have opened the possibility to add just about anyone to the conference, but could lead to multiple divisional realignment, and I don't think that the Big Ten wants to go through the hell of realignment after the chaos and uproar that the divisional split caused.
The one positive that I can see with these names is that, with names like leaders and legends, you can bet your ass that we won't be adding Rutgers, UC, or Louisville to the conference...not that we would have done that anyway. :tongue2: