And by doing so, digging the hole deeper to climb out from???
Fewer fans doesn't just send a message to whomever you want to reach. It also impacts potential recruits. Also reduces budgets for graduate assistants, recruiting, stadium improvements, raises to keep the coaches you do like, etc, etc..
That's why when you are the AD you don't do the following.
1) Give a most ridiculous contract extension to your HC when there is no reason to.
2) Call out and place blame on fans when said HC proceeds to have a 3-9 dumpster fire season.
3) Don't seem concerned about making changes when evidence was clear that fans want a more exciting team on the field.
The NFL is making a similar mistake in alienating a big portion of their fan base with the anthem protest controversy. You upset the fans and they may walk and never come back.
Hamrick and Doc need to get the fans back and energized. Winning is helping, but for some the wins are not convincing enough that we are back. Seeing that small Homecoming crowd yesterday with the beautiful weather was very alarming.