I think the problem some people have is that by not playing in a conference championship, you have one less game that could keep you out. For example, any SEC team has had to go through Bama for the past 12 years. That for the most part was an elimination game. You don't have that.
I also think part of the problem is that your schedule isn't what it used to be. You don't play Michigan any more, not sure about MSU, and USC hasn't been competition. I say that knowing you have played us twice, and you play Clemson from time to time. But the 5 game ACC schedule isn't very tough, normally. I don't really follow your SOS, so I could be totally wrong, but that is the impression I have that other people think and look at.
It would go a long way if you guys could win a game that matters. This article I found:
Notre Dame's poor playoff resume is evidence that the 2021 season wasn't close to being the best coaching job by Brian Kelly
www.si.com
I am not a hater. I had a blast when we came to play you guys, and when you all came to Athens. ND is a beautiful campus, and I grew up in an era where ND was royalty so that is how my mind remembers it. I think you have a very good coach ... I hope he can take you to the next level.