protected cross-division game is probably here to stay. So if you want the ACC to eliminate the protected cross-division game, then the North-South model is probably the only way it will happen. If the ACC goes with a pod system, then it could go either way on whether the protected cross-division game (or maybe even games in the pod scenario) is eliminate.

Also, it is not completely out of the realm of possibility that VT and UVA could end up in opposite divisions some day. Someone may make a motion that both divisions should have equal representation of regions/states. It may only take a simple majority for the motion to pass, so it is possible that VT and UVA could end up on the losing end of the vote. If the ACC eliminates the protected cross-division game and the Committee discourages conference foes playing each other as OOC games, then there could be a 2-3 year break in the Commonwealth Cup.

I get why most VT fans want to get rid of the protected cross-division game. They want to play teams in the other division and (maybe more importantly) they want a divorce from the BC-VT pairing. However, the reality right now is that at least 4 (maybe 5 depending on how you view the Pitt-Syracuse partnership) of the 7 pairings involve major rivalries. So the schools and their fanbases may not be so eager to end the pairing. Hence why every time this topic comes up I always try to remind/ask how people would feel about the pairings if VT was currently paired with UVA. I don't think there are too many Hokie fans that would be willing to see the Commonwealth Cup take a 2-3 break (including not scheduling games as OOC games) in order to play every team in the other division more frequently.