This is the most delusional, gatekeeping nonsense I've ever read. Respect is the foundation of a rivalry? Tell that to every Notre Dame fan who genuinely despises USC. The hatrd is the point. The fact you have to manufacture this moral high ground against "mercenaries" proves your program isn't relevant enough on the field to have real rivals. We don't think about you at all. You're clinging to some romanticized ideal because you can't compete in the modern landscape. Notre Dame builds men and wins, and we do it while still competing for championships, something your service academy will never comprehend. Your "way" is a consolation prize for never being able to truly contend. We have actual rivals who challenge us for titles and recruits, not just for some symbolic trophy of respect. Your entire identity is based on being the plucky underdog, and that's a loser's mentality. Real rivals make your blood boil because they can actually beat you, not because they write cute essays about outlasting people. Come back when your "bond" actually wins something that matters.