Hypothetically, if Alain never entered the Kalos league, and Ash had to face Sawyer and Remo in the Semis and Finals, eventually winning, would you have preferred that?

Trevor would also be a battle for Ash, etc.

The outcome against Sawyer is the same, Ash wins. This can be in the Semis or the Finals

Ash wins the league, but loses to Alain afterwards in an unofficial match realizing that he hasn't reached his goal yet even though he's finally won a regional league.

This way, he can win the league but Alains story of being the strongest yet not having morals or being able to protect those he loves (or whatever his story was) isn't butchered.