Last year West Point was very aggressive with LOAs and handed them out like candy. This year the thought is that they will scale back on the number of LOAs given. They are given to a small % of candidates.
Just b/c your resume walks on water, doesn't mean you will get a LOA. LOAs help West Point achieve their class composition goals. Someone may get a LOA whose application may not appear as 'good' as yours but they may help with the class balance. They are given to a small % of candidates.
Try a different attitude about LOAs. Don't even think about it. That way IF you get one, you will be joyously surprised instead of being possibly disappointed. Don't agonize over a LOA by waiting for it, checking the mail for it, asking on forums here, 'Who's received a LOA ?'. They are given to a small % of candidates.
LOAs are wonderful, but it doesn't always mean you will get an appointment and if you do, a timely one. It is contingent on certain requirements being met - namely a nomination and being DoDMERB qualified. You could get a LOA in October and not be DoDMERB qualified until April. There could be many non-LOA recipients accepting their offer of admission while a LOA recipient is waiting for one of the contingencies to be met. They are given to a small % of candidates.
If you get one, you get one. If you don't, you don't. LOAs are out of your control. What you DO have control over is having your application completed in a timely manner. Finish early and don't sweat the LOA. And oh BTW - they are given to a small % of candidates !!