Negative NOPer association aside...
Rupp running 2:06 or better is what most of "us" want, to validate that he's actually capable and let's be honest, it would just be pretty sweet to have an american-born white dude run super fast again (pour a little out for R. Hall).
But i gotta believe that to the majority of the masses there is absolutely no difference between 2:08, 2:07, or 2:05... HOWEVER, putting him on the cover of Runner's World with the words "WINNER" of _______ World Major Marathon... Now that seems like something Nike or any good marketer would be willing to pay the big bucks for.
The question is, is it something they'd maybe nudge Pinkowski to keep a couple african contenders out of the start list for? I dunno. You have to admit they'd be pretty happy to have some big name former world beaters on the line that have solid recognition but are actually at low risk of crushing their guy. I mean, is there a better scenario for the Swoosh? The Feyisa addition throws this out of wack for sure. Would be insane if he ends up getting a big payday to DNS.