Not sure that I fully appreciate the nuances of this discussion.
My thoughts include:
A well organized honors college / program at a National University offers more than an LAC academically & socially.
Exposure to graduate students & to graduate programs is quite valuable & does not mean that undergrads at a major research university are given less attention or fewer opportunities than undergrads at an LAC; in fact, I believe that the opposite is more accurate. (Undergrads at National Universities have more benefits & options & opportunities than those at LACs.)