I must be really slow to get the light bulb on here.
Let me get this correct.
1. They now had 6600 noms this yr
Assumption: under served communities are getting noms.
2. They accepted the same amount of cadets.
3. The drop out rate is still the same as before @25%
So tell me how one takes the leap that the cadet selected from the 6600 list is going to be a have not. Did they change the apptmt system where the highest WCS wins the nom.
Secondly, let's say this system now gets underserving areas, because the MOCs now talk to each other. The question will not be answered for a yr-4 yrs how wise this decision was because if the under served area was under served by the MOC due to academically sub par course rigor, what happens when the cadet is struggling to keep their grades? Will the USNA water down the system to keep them?
Thirdly, where in that article did it state underserved? Our economy is in the tanks and kids are looking at all options for college. For all we know, all of these noms could be from over served areas where in previous yrs they didn't apply for the SA.
Fourth, anyone who has been affiliated with the nom process understands that the majority of the MOCS follow the academic desires of the SA. They follow the process that a hole is better than... Why nom a child that doesn't even come near the mins? There is no reg that states they must submit a full slate. There is no reg that states they must talk to each other to spread the wealth.
Fifth and finally, no place in that article did it not only take the leap of spreading the wealth, but let's throw out another assumption which is no where in the article. The MOCs talk, but now give more principal noms, which in essence means congrats, you made the list, but guess what, unless they turn it down, your chances didn't improve at all just because you now have to go on the NWL, which again is a WCS, but now from a NATIONAL level and not a district or state. In essence, if you got it from a spread the wealth position and you are from Arkansas, move onto plan B because states like VA, CO. NY, TX, and CA typically have the most rigorous academic programs which accounts for 60% of your WCS.
If anything this probably hurt the have nots more from every angle.