Identifying the Need
Alphas are currently only removed from the economy by breeding. For most alphas and egg groups, this helps create a stable demand to meet the supply of new alphas that are caught every day. Genderless and female only alphas, on the other hand, are not desirable for breeding and are not worth catching. As of writing this post, the cheapest alphas on the GTL are about $8k. They are both Kangaskhan and Miltank, female only pokemon. After yesterday's alpha swarms, they dipped as low as $5k. After listing fee and a conservative estimate of 3 timer balls used, it costs $4,600 just to put an alpha on the GTL. For only $600-$4k profit, these alphas are simply not worth the time to catch. They are disappointing spawns, ignored by many. Of the players who do head over to the swarm, many simply kill for candy and leave. Since alphas appear only once per in-game day, they should have higher intrinsic value. "Trash alphas" are not a valuable or enjoyable part of the player experience or alpha system, and an adjustment should be made to fix the issue.
Proposed Solution
I am proposing a trade-in system for players to give alphas to an NPC in exchange for items. The Baron NPC does this with Prismatic Pearls, keeping a floor on the price of shiny pokemon, and I think a similar system will help the alpha economy. The amount is up for debate, but for the purpose of brainstorming I'm going to say any alpha should be worth at least $20k.
Potential exchanges for an alpha:
Power braces corresponding to the x31 IVs of the alpha
Would also reward more value for trading in higher IV alphas
Reduces the amount of pokeyen currently destroyed by buying braces, may contribute to inflation.
Ability Pills
May increase inflation for same reason as above
Might be too valuable of an item for an alpha trade-in
More exp candies
Would be boring, but better than nothing
Alpha rewards chest with chance for exclusive vanities
Very fun
Has smaller effect on global pokeyen consumption rate
Hard to precisely predict effects on alpha market since popularity plays a large role in vanity prices
Some people may dislike the addition of another loot box style item
Beast balls or other alpha catching pokeballs
Would also improve alpha catching experience
They look cool
Could just make Kurt do it and skip the effort of creating another NPC
Any of these options would bring intrinsic value to alpha pokemon and put a floor on the price of alphas like Miltank and Kangaskhan