I know that the RPI isn't perfect, but it is definitely quantifiable. If every team knew the criteria for at-large bids going into the season (or perhaps 2 seasons in advance to schedule appropriately) then there would be absolutely no room for anyone getting left out to complain. The selection committee's sole responsibility would then be to handle seedings. I'm sure there would still be some back-door politics in play in that regard, but at least the deserving teams would be in the dance.

The current selection process is too much of a good ole boys' club for my taste. Why not use a ranking system (without a human component) to determine at-large bids?