My theory is the only reason the no-buyout clause had any weight in Bama fans eyes in 2007 was because they were thinking back to how fRan left. That, combined with the talk that year of "no signed contract" that seemed to fester for a few months behind the scenes until it hit in a major way the fall of his last year.
I'm far past the "oh well" phase when it comes to his contract and wishes. I'm anxious to see which building is changed next around the athletic complex.