The quote above was the note on the rejection. To be honest, I don't have proof of any of the examples listed above. I got the E.P. from the band at a show circa 2008, and I wasn't able to find any information about it online when I looked. I took that picture myself, and as far as I know, the only way in which they were distributing them were at shows. Given that it's a pre-release, I assume a full-length was planned after that, but I don't know if it ever came to fruition.

If this still isn't enough info to get them accepted, I understand. I mainly wanted to add them for historical purposes, because they were important to my local scene, and one of the first bands I would regularly see in high school when I started going to shows.

Do you own a physical copy of the EP they made? Could you maybe upload songs from it for the M-A staff? Also, do you still know the band members personally, and maybe they could provide you with the information about it?

That could help get them on, assuming the music is acceptable by M-A standards.

I do own the E.P., and I posted a picture of it to the album entry. The songs from it are all on the Soundcloud link. I thought the fact that I have proof of it would be enough, because it has been for past submissions. I don't know the members of the band personally.

That's actually all we need.
Since you bought it at a show, it's a valid public release and therefore should be acceptable.
Feel free to resubmit, but maybe add a not about where you got it from and/or include a link to this thread since it further explains the situation.
"Pre-release" just sounds like a promo sent to labels to get a contract and you didn't give any explanation, that's why it got rejected.

Awesome, thank you! I added a note in the album entry and resubmitted.