I wouldn't exactly say that the new system is unfair. I think that the new system does a good job of giving cadets real expectations of what they can branch based on feedback from the branch commandants. If your first choice branch doesn't look too fondly upon your branching packet but your second and third choice branches do, you are more likely to readjust your focus and expectations towards branching into those other two options before you make your final decision. Just because you have a good class rank does not mean that you will be a good fit for your number one choice. Nobody can predict the future of your career but through interviews and the branch application system, there seems to be a better fit of certain branches to certain cadets.
Nonetheless, there are still a lot of surprises when it comes to branching.