Hi Jeff,
Sorry, no such luck. What you're looking for is an "exemplary performance" option that would let you earn an innovation point, but those don't exist for prerequisites. You can check out all of the "exemplary performance" options in the LEEDv2009 BD&C Introduction section of the Reference Guide on page xxi.
An alternative compliance path is a different thing--that's about alternate ways to meet the requirement. So that doesn't apply here either. The USGBC allows for projects to pursue an alternative compliance path for all prereqs and credits when you feel you are still meeting the intent but just in a different way. If this option is pursued, the box you reference must be checked and the approach must be explained in narrative and/or supported with calculations.