As I've said, Stever can be exhausting, but I think he was instrumental in getting this site to take off. All communities need push back, and since we're not getting as much from ESPN anymore it is good to have a troll or two to keep discussion interesting. Having push back means people see you as a threat. ESPN tried early on and failed. Stever is trying, but he doesn't have any influence over anything lol. All he does is rally/unite Big East fans.
Since he isn't really a fan of any team or conference (highly doubt he's ever attended an AAC game), he is primarily a Big East hater. It is pretty special that we're strong enough to have someone so dedicated.
Anyways, yes it is a down year. Looking a lot like year 1, with likely 4 teams making the Tournament (could also be 3 or 5). That said, if the Johnnies make it it'll be the best year of the Big East as far as I'm concerned.