The process sounds simple. It's the application of it that is complicated. In all honesty, there's nothing a candidate can do other than develop his/her best "package."
You cannot control any other aspect of the process, including: how many noms your MOCs have in any given year; whether or not your MOCs interview candidates; whether your MOCs use the principal, ranking or open method; when your MOCs notify candidates they have or have not received an appointment; whether your MOCs require you to rank SAs or only pick one; whether your MOCs get together and limit noms to one nom per candidate or whether they do not do this; to whom various candidates are "slotted" by each MOC; whether your MOCs do or do not give a preference to LOA candidates; how many LOA candidates are applying to your MOC . . . and on and on.
I understand this is fascinating to some and confusing/terrifying to others. But it truly is out of your control. Knowing more probably makes you feel better but it won't give you more control over the process.
As a candidate, apply to EVERY SINGLE NOM for which you're eligible. Make your package as strong as possible and get it in ON TIME. UPDATE it with pertinent information until a decision is made. Then, sit back and wait to see what happens. Once you have that appointment in hand, it makes zero difference whether you are slotted to an MOC, the Pres, the VP, SecNav, the Supe or some other source. You have your golden ticket!