Here's the deal, you can't be lactose intolerant and complain about the milk making you sick. If milk makes you sick, drink something else. If their academic standards prohibit them from competing in the A10, then leave. Join a league with comparable academic standards. The Patriot League will always leave the lights on for them to join.
I actually think they like being in this situation, playing the victim role. They always have the "academic standards" card to play to make themselves feel better to explain why they suck. If they join the Patriot League and suck, what excuse can they pull out of their behind to justify it?
Not to mention, they can easily do what other "academic" schools do, relax their admissions requirements for their athletes. All of their obstacles are self-imposed. You really think Duke basketball players could get admitted if they were 5'8"?