This should have been decided weeks ago. It means a lot less time for Airdrie and Cowden to make their squads good enough to compete in the Division above, and they'll have been planning for their games on Saturday. Could now be very difficult seasons ahead for the two, who would have been thinking about promotion instead. Also affects other things like travel (if they are away). This late decision doesn't just hurt Livi.
As for Livi appealing, it's a bit pointless now. What would happen if they miracorously won the appeal? It would be a bit hard to promote them again once the season has started.
The SFL should have made this decision 2 months ago.