I believe that it all a matter of preparation. That preparation begins at the beginning of the individual's Junior year of high school. Obviously taking the right classes, being involved in sports, extra curriculum activities, etc. start years before that. But as for the application process, if you prepare yourself and know what needs to be done, the process isn't that bad.
While I never attended the academies, being an ALO, I've seen a couple of individuals in my time go through the process. My son graduated the academy 2 years ago, so I don't mind mentioning now about his application process.
The end of his junior year of high school was extremely busy. He got out of school a few days early because he was selected to go to Boy's State. 2 days after Boy's State he went to the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar. A week after returning from Summer Seminar he started Summer Football Camp. I only bring this up because directly after returning from Summer Seminar, his application opened up for him to begin the process. From the first day of starting the application; approximately the 14th of June, until 100% completion; including DODMRB, transcripts, CFA, ALO interview, teacher's recommendations, school profile, essay's, presidential nomination, etc. literally 100% complete; he completed the application the last week of July. Less than 45 days.
In the next 30 days, prior to the beginning of the new school season, and still training every day at football practice, he finished his college applications and scholarship applications to 3 other universities. By the time his senior year started, (The last week of August), he was completely finished with all applications to all schools. By the end of September, he was receiving early admission offers. He received his air force academy appointment at the end of October. Physically received the BFO on November 10th.
So I guess what I'm saying is: I don't think applying to the academy is any more difficult today than it was in the past. In my opinion, it's simply a matter of preparation. If you have your grades, ACT/SAT, fitness, school counselors, administration, etc. lined up PRIOR to starting summer vacation at the end of your junior year, then there's no reason in the world you can't have your application completed 100% in less than 60 days. But if you get out of your junior year of school and casually start the application when it opens up, you could easily be into October, November, or even December before completing the application.