How can I remove the activation lock on an iPad of which I do not have access to the Apple ID or Password?

I need some advice with this issue. Recently I bought two iPad 2's from trademe (our local new zealand equivalent to ebay). They were being sold cheap, with the issue "Activation / iCloud Locked". They had obviously been acquired from ewaste or similar by the seller who sold them to me, because neither they nor I have access to the original owner's Apple IDs. I am aware of the "solution" around this, which is to log onto icloud.com and fill out a form to get your iPad unlocked. I figured since these iPads are now 14 years old and worth almost nothing, Apple would be somewhat lenient and get them unlocked for me, after I had given necessary explanation and confirmation of ownership / purchase etc. But it seems I was wrong. After explaining my situation, and providing as much photographic proof of ownership as I could, Apple still replied and said that neither iPad was able to be unlocked by them, due to me "not having provided enough information". I provided screenshots of the listing on trademe, and then a screenshot of basically the post-purchase summary, with all the necessary details also included such as IMEI, Serial Number, and iPad Model too. Is there any way I can get them to unlock my devices, or is it just not worth it?

Thanks in Advance