Why roster limits?
Even though they are selfish, LOL, the power schools understand that Texas has more money to spend than say Indiana or Miss St., but they want these smaller schools to be competitive.
If both schools have same roster limit, TX can not have 150 players vs 105 at Indiana/Miss St.
They can use their money to pay each player more, but can't have more players. More players means you can hoard talent.
Note Duke just paid a QB $8million for 2 seasons! In the age of parity, every $100,000 QB at a smaller school is going to want to outplay this guy.
You are dead on about the trial lawyers driving the process, with athletes like House being mere pawns.
Congress? With repubs in power and support from Ted Cruz, Rubio and prob Trump, there is at least a small chance for anti trust legislation in congress.