I think the driving force will be the demand for cheaper education as Zephyr mentioned. Tuitions seem to be nearing a point where someone who could swoop in with something quality and more affordable would do great- the only problem with that being that brand seems to play so strongly into the college decision. I think this makes projects like the Open Yale Courses very interesting.
I disagree, if they are pre-selecting the best I would venture its because this gives them the numbers that will increase their perceived value- they're in the business of making money and advancing their brand, or rather simply, like any institution, they're in the business of being in business.