How are meaningless exhibition games "watered down"? They are simply a bonus game and more $ for the schools. Meaningless games by definition can't be "watered down". It doesn't accomplish anything so the "system" isn't broken. It does exactly what they want it to do. Create $.
No one I know cares about the Rose Bowl. It is perhaps the worst bowl IMO because they only choose from two conferences creating dumb matchups. I see why you like it and all, and I get that but their conference affiliation has prevented some pretty epic matchups in the past.