So here's the thing, if you think paying recruits is icky but it's okay to drop bags for grad transfers then you need to go all in. I think it's hypocritical to be fine with one but not the other, but so be it. If you're going to drop a bigger bag than Auburn and Florida for Hartman then clearly money isn't an issue. But you can't stop at just a QB. You need to go all in. You need to be the A&M/Oregon/SEC when it comes to grad transfers. You need to get the best (or one of the best) grad transfers at every single position of need, every single year.
If Cross leaves and DeWayne Carter or Davin Vann hit the portal, you need to buy them. If Michael Pratt hits the portal, you need to buy him. I like the potential of Aamil Wagner, but if Graham Barton from Duke hits the portal, you need to buy him. If Jasheen Davis from WF hits the portal, you need to buy him. If 1-2 WR's who are legit #1 or #2 hit the portal, you need to buy them. If you want experience at LB and a solid grad transfer LB hits the portal, you need to buy him. Even if Watts comes back, the other Safety spot is a question mark. If a guy with an NFL future like LaMiles Brooks from GT hits the portal, you need to buy him.