LSU fans’ perspectives on non-playoff NY6 games?

Just curious as to everyone’s thoughts are on this...

I am of the opinion that in any given year, after the playoff bowl games, any of the remaining NY6 bowls are pretty much equal in terms of stature and being selected for any of these bowls (though the Rose Bowl is not likely an option for non BIG-10 or PAC-10 teams in a non-playoff year) is an achievement. All of the games are now considered prestigious and are played in great stadiums.

The only real differences I now see in the games are the locations (travel for fans), start times and the possible opponent pool (i.e. how the Sugar Bowl in non-playoff years contractually matches the Big 12 vs. the SEC).

I remember growing up in the late 80s, there were 5 major bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton and Fiesta). If LSU went to any of them (though Sugar was the only realistic option at the time), it was a great year.

While obviously I would have rather beat A&M and likely gone to the Sugar Bowl, I’m really excited at the prospect of either the Peach or the Fiesta. I don’t view either bowl as a “consolation prize” for missing out on the Sugar Bowl. I understand that the Sugar Bowl is closest to LSU and is historically the “host bowl” of the SEC champion, so LSU fans probably will always gravitate towards it. But for non-playoff teams, I’m not sure there is really a difference anymore in which NY6 bowl game you go to, other than ease of travel.

Thoughts?