They were around when Dong James was walking along the shores of Montlake. I think they take juice away from UW when they're good, though (the Seahawks were garbage almost all of the time James was at UW). And, quite honestly, the NFL playoffs have been far more entertaining than any UW games I saw this year.
The demise of the structure of NCAA football is going to make it harder for Husky football to compete for locals' dollars and time. If I want to watch paid pros I will watch the NFL where the best of the best play. Husky Stadium as "the greatest setting" will probably be 50% away crowds if the team doesn't start winning big, quick. At the end of the day, though, people will still support a winner.