Literal x factor
Teams really should partner with collegiate/small t2 teams for academy teams.
Better scrims, better matches, better teams.
Sorted
I would think of that more like an extra benefit. I believe the real purpose of an academy team is exactly what it sounds like, be an academy. Not just because but to try and find the next Sayonara, the next Larok, the next Comeback, the next Loita, the next Woot etc
That is what truly will make an academy worth it, (most likely it will not be which is why many teams won't have one).
An affiliate team is more to have a quality 6th man just in case and have certain small level of control over some players but it's different
At least this is how I think of it, I suppose I'm not inside the orgs, so it's speculation