Sorry Wiz, but with over 400 schools in the state, I don't think the NCHSAA is as concerned as you think they are with making sure Clinton does not end up in the ECC for some conspiratorial reason(s). But to play along, give me your idea of an ECC with Clinton added, which would include who gets tossed from the ECC/where they go(or if they stay, justification for an 8-team ECC) and who takes Clinton's place in the Southeastern. Sure it can be done, but I think you'll see that it's not just a matter of saying "Clinton belongs in the ECC because that's where our football rivals are". Unlike college conferences, in high school having 6 or 7 conference members, avoiding split conferences where possible, and keeping together schools within the same division and county makes sense.
But again, looking forward to your suggestion for a reconstructed ECC and Southeastern, and I'll try my best to give you an objective pros/cons review of your proposal.