If you look back through the posts of a lot of the people who have heard in the last couple of days several seem to be principal noms. (Not that I'm obsessively combing through everyone's posts for a morsel of comfort, oh no....)
It stands to reason that USAFA scoops up the LOA's first, and the athletes, then the principal noms (who they have to appoint if qualified) as they try to piece the jigsaw puzzle together of who is going to attend in 2023.
So I figure we are just at the principal nom stage. Sometime after that comes the national pool, then the waiting list (for places that get turned down).
It's a process.
To me it seems to be slightly different. Turn backs from last year obviously here first, then LOA folks, then as I saw it and through people I’ve talked to, those who had their application done on or before 1 November (early action of sorts) get their appointments, then preppies and falcon scholars, and last but not least regular applicants. The only reason I disagree with your bit on principal noms is because I am a principal nom and haven’t heard anything yet.
Just remember that while we may be able to decipher a little bit, it doesn’t come close to how complex it is for admissions to fit everyone in. Appointments could be released everyday from now until 15 April, some of us who maybe don’t get in could still get an appointment for ‘23 before it’s too late! Best of luck to those still waiting, I feel your pain. I know it sucks when you see everyone else posting how they got in, or when your friends have their appointments in hand and you’re still anxiously checking your portal and your inbox.