Well and succinctly stated.
The reality of this process gets lost in the delusion that there are 20,000 "applicants." Unlike having a similarly high number like that for a selective secular institution, where literally all apps are completed and submitted, and most would qualify for admission if space was available ... the VAST MAJORITY of the 20,000 USNA candidates will not even complete the process and become "qualified" to compete for an appointment, in the event they do persist.
So take heart! Daunting as this can be ... and is! ... the numbers can confuse as well as clarify.