Bowl games are weird, and were weird, once really and obviously exhibition games of a sort, not even counted in final AP polls. Then they started to have significance, you could win and finish top 10 or lose and finish 18th. Top ten was better, duh, folks would track it.
Now, as noted, so many sit them out at times is back to being a "preseason game" of sorts. But "we" watch.
Next year I'd guess anything short of a playoff appearance will be a down year for a lot of programs, more than 12.
We have more undefeated teams SO FAR this season than is typical. We're usually down to about 3 by now (and could end up there).