The "earned" solution

To quote Leo "Promotion is earned in-game, not out of it."

If Leo and Riot do not want to set a precedent of... whatever... the best solution I can offer is very simple: Replay Top 4 of America's Ascension. This becomes a special situation, and Riot can then cite it as one. Bring back 9z, M80, Union, and the former Guard roster - letting the roster chose their org. If it gives the Union, M80, or 9z another opportunity to win, so be it. If Guard win it again, they DOUBLEY deserve it. I don't think it's fair for "Promotion is earned in-game, not out of it." when Promotion can be destroyed SOULY outside of the game. If he doesn't want a precedent, let them prove it in game. I'm sure the players would rather this than nothing at all.

Even just replaying the final of M80 and Guard, WHO WERE THE BEST TWO TEAMS IN ALL OF ASCENSION FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.

If we can have something, just let them earn it in any way possible.

riot game riot ruling
u can't

Guard won, so it's their spot. You can't discredit this. The best solution to solve this is by letting all parties involved (riot, players, org) sit down and have a third party discuss with this kindergarten. I think it should be possible to come up with a contract / solution to gift the spot to another org in the direct presence of riot. This way, you guarantee ascension orgs won't sell their spot, players ascend into franchising, and the guard finally leaving the scene. For everyone a happy end