Another thing I thought of when it comes to Square and representation...
Erdrick might actually help Geno get into Smash in the future.
I know, you're probably thinking, "Uh, literally what?" Hear me out. Square Enix is known for wanting to make big bank off of their crossovers. Nintendo of Japan, as anyone in Japan does, loves DQ. Erdrick has all the cards laid out for him, so Nintendo decides that he's their rep... but they haven't forgotten about Geno. He doesn't make it in the pass, and his costume comes back. This leaves them with this scenario for possible future plans:
1) His costume is back and will sell again, showing Square that he is profitable,
2) Square already has their huge, monumental crossover character in as DLC to make them their big bucks + make up for Cloud being in the base, and,
3) Nintendo has already negotiated for Geno's rights for Ultimate, placing him partway into the door.
Trying to convince Square to add Geno beyond just his spirit and costume would be tough because they want good profit and promotion. However, Erdrick being in would already be that obstacle cleared for future DLC waves or misc. DLC. It may make things a little easier when it comes to getting him in, maybe making them a little more pliable to twist their arms, so to speak. After getting their big monetary share, maybe, just maybe, they'll consider allowing our boy to be in.