I Think there's some confusion about the Early Actions Application and thus it's become complicated for some.
An early appointment; prior to November 1st; can obviously only be given to someone with a NON-Congressional nomination. Congressional nominations aren't even done until after November 1st. An LOA is for someone the academy definitely wants to give an appointment to, but they either haven't received a nomination yet or their medical physical hasn't been completed satisfactory yet. Those are 2 totally different situations.
But what about all the others? Well, the EA simply means; if you will complete your application 100% prior to November 1st, (Which I've recommended for applicants to do for the last 7 years); the academy) will not make you wait until April-May to determine what your chances are. The academy will let you know in January what your chances are. Either YES, you're going to get an appointment; NO, you're not; or you're competitive along with everyone else and you'll find out in April-May.
This allows the motivated individual to be able to make better choices for their possible other options. And for those that the academy says YES, you're receiving an appointment, the academy hopes you'll get excited and commit yourself to the academy and turn down other offers that you may be receiving at about the same time. And WHY JANUARY. That's because that's the deadline for congressional members to provide their nominations. The academy can't tell you yes, no, or maybe if they don't know if you have a nomination.
Hope this clarifies a little.