We chatted a bit on the Purdue thread about this. My idea for these lesser bowl games is to treat them as developmental in nature. Play your starting lineup for next year, mostly. Sure, if a senior wants to play, accomodate him. Let's say this pushes your bowl loss rate from 50% to 70%, does it push some games next season from 50% to 55%?
I'd treat opt outs as a plus. Tell them they can come with the team and have fun and not play, or they can go "prepare" if they wish.
We know back in the day, bowl games were exhibitions anyway.