I for one can't see Bilic/The board's logic on this. We will probably lose the Arsenal away game anyway. When was the last time we won? I can't even remember. It's also only one of 38 premier league games. The maximum difference it could really make is 3 points but probably closer to 1 point, as I don't think we'll ever really get more than a draw there for a while now.
We should put out a strong team against Astra again, and go all out. Atleast for the sake of qualification. When will qualify for this competition again in the near future? Let's not forget, the last time we were in this competition was almost 10 years ago and even then we didn't qualify!
I see numerous positives to qualifying for the Europa league this year. We can use it as an opportunity to bring through some young players such as Oxford, Burke, Page, Cullen, Borg, Lee etc. They will benefit far more from playing some real competitive fixtures in Europa qualifying over U21 or reserve games any day. Once we qualify, we don't need to put out our first team. We can give these kids a chance to develop. There were so many bemoaning Allardyce for not giving the youth even as much as a look in. Well this competition may just be their chance!
We can also use the competition to ease back in senior players returning from injury and give them some game time before putting them into the premier league games half fit. We can also use it to give some fringe players such as Amalfitano, Jarvis, Zarate (if we sign another striker) etc some game time and keep them happy, sharp and match fit. In the even they are required as subs in the league, they will perform better.
It also gives the club more exposure in Europe, and brings in additional revenue streams. Through ticket sales at the Boleyn, participation money etc. Whatever paltry money we gain from it, it doesn't matter. It's extra revenue. It may allow us to afford 1 or 2 more first team players via the FFP.
And at the end of the day, at a minimum it will give us West Ham fans more of a chance to see our beloved team play at the Boleyn before she goes! I'd be willing to bet that getting tickets in the premier league will be very difficult this season for non ST holders and many or most of our league games will sell out. Give more people a chance to see some last few games at UP or let us see the hammers play more there more often in this last year. Get us qualified Daves and Bilic!