Here's a thought. If we weren't adding the NIL issue to Ben's retention conversation, the arguments for keeping him sound a lot like those used to justify retaining Cheryl Littlejohn a couple of decades back.
It's like he is afraid of what players will say about him. That not giving them enough playing time will come back to haunt him.
The tail is really wagging the dog.
Then giving him an opportunity elsewhere should be merciful for him and his mental health. Why does the local media want him to remain in this position?