Somewhat agree. However, very few teams turn down the NIT, which is owned by the NCAA.
Unless there's a coaching firing, or some team is so proud (UNC last year), etc., or it was still COVID with limited or no fans (2021), teams almost always accept an NIT berth. And, definitely teams like Minnesota always accept them. Many teams turn down the CBI, CIT or whatever other tourneys require you to pay to play in them.
And, to me, for this year's Gopher team, I think it is good to play more games, especially in a postseason (one and done) setting, even if only the NIT. Compete. Play. Better than not competing and playing.