I really don't get the angst against it. This league is a franchise league. Would other people be worried is someone applied for a franchise, recruited players from the U20s, and got Chris Milicich to coach them, but call them something other that the U20. Pretty much the same thing.
I do notice how the most vocal and majority of people who are contributing to the angst are Auckland City fans, who are trying to convince themselves that the league they regularly finish second in is some highly-regarded, world-renowned league where all the teams involved legitimately have hopes of winning the title. I'm sure Waitakere fans would feel the same way, you know, if they actually have any (I'm not yet certain). I dunno, maybe years of being a Waikato fan have caused me to be negative but I agree with 2nd best.
Also, does anyone really think that the O-League money/qualification has any real chance of going to the Under 20's? The Phoenix A kids got killed by even the worst sides in the league, I realise the circumstances are different but I'll have a hard time being convinced that the NZ U-20's will be any more than fourth/fifth place at best.
Think you answered your own question as to why you're "negative". I actually enjoy and want to promote the ASBP. One season Canterbury came within a penalty shootout of winning the title so it's not always a two horse race.