this is a created influx because they changed the rules to only have the window open at specific times because the coaches were crying. Once you're in you are in until you find a new team or your old team accepts you back. If your old team doesn't accept you back and you can't get a scholarship somewhere, you are likely looking at either hanging it up or walking on somewhere.

Are student-athletes permitted to converse with other coaches whose teams
they would like to join before entering the portal?

so there is NO WAY that would ever happen.

Because it would be against the rules.