Brilliant post, fantastic analysis of their situation and if there's a football competition around the world that has resonance with the A-League then it's probably the MLS.
Funny thing is an old school friend of mine emigrated to Canada from the UK about 20 years ago and has been working as a chef in Vancouver. When they got their MLS licence my mate sneered at the competition. He loves Canada and he loves football but wouldn't go near the Whitecaps. Typical Eurosnob! Then after about 5 years someone dragged him along to a game.
All of a sudden he loves the MLS, never misses a 'Caps game and even gets to the odd away game. No mean feat in the MLS!
It can be done!!!