"You've pretty much answered your own question. The AFA Football games are probably the most public event for the Academy and almost the only time the public gets to see the cadets up close and in uniform. They bring in revenue to support many other AFA programs.
Also, just food for thought. The last stanza of the Airman's Creed includes the line:
I will never leave an Airman behind.
So even when the football team happens to be down and out are we just going to abandon them? That's a big pride issue for me. Sure our team might not be the greatest but that doesn't mean I won't stand by them. What kind of message would we be sending to the public as future officers of the US military?"
The SAs are tasked of producing officers to serve in our Armed Forces. If for instance the football program is eliminated, (barring another extended shutdown) the Federally funded SAs will continue to operate and fulfill it's mission. Not all cadets attend and become sports nuts yet everyone has to be physically fit to remain.
Akin to proselytizing, I'm sorry if I don't worship at the altar of your football gods and your pride issue is laughable. I can think of several other things I can associate my pride with other than a football team? It's demoralizing and sad. A waste of time.
The creed? If only the linebackers would keep that in mind and not allow their quarterback to get sacked often.
What message would we be sending the public? There's other worthwhile pursuits and cerebral matters we can be spending time on besides a spectator sports where concussions, torn ligaments and numerous excuses on why they are doing poorly abound. Imagine how much the taxpayers would save if they don't have to cover all the expenses incurred? Maybe subsidies for other sports could be negated by the savings.
Since I'm not 0-8 yet like you have previously stated, next week-I am going to root for the Falcons especially against the Black Knights. Go AF beat Army!