My apologies, you hit the nail on the head, I did miss your point, I actually ran out of steam in my reading on the first page of respondents to the OP. But I read you post today, and it is very informative.
Just my opinion, but I doubt the sample group of respondents will be completely representative of actual past/present cadets considering this forum has plenty of active USAF and USAFA leaders and affiliates watching, and they can figure stuff out and connect the dots. But still interesting all...
Successfully enlisted in another branch and enjoys fixing and flying in helicopters. The folks I took exception to using "blue chip" and "recruited athlete" terms incorrectly in context to what they had control over, moved on to "higher" callings. So all worked out for the best in my opinion.
Well, there is also the football team factor. If you are great and can lead the team to a perfect season, then I would say that could come into play also:)
Well I've seen a flag jump go a little squirrely. Actually the event I recall(and I know a few on this forum were attending), the jumper didn't even come down on the field, and ended up on a ridgeline a thousand or so feet from the field. Highly doubt there was ground crew awaiting to snatch...