PeaceB,
Yes, DS has accepted an appointment.
No one knows the recipe for an offer although I think we all know the ingredients (academics, athletics, leadership, service, fitness, etc...) . Every candidate is different and each has strengths relative to one another.
The following link may be useful (pages 5 and 6). Seats for individual USMMA applicants from states are appointed to the academy in proportion to the state’s representation in Congress, at least in the initial stages of building the class.
In terms of the USMMA national wait list and "hold status", google "Domine v. Kumar, 2012".
"Academy has stated that, in filling vacancies after candidates from various jurisdictions decline appointments, it has a policy of transitioning on April 1 from an alternate list by jurisdiction (in order of merit) to a national alternate list (in order of merit) for the purpose of ensuring that it can fill open slots by the nationally recognized college acceptance deadline of May 1."
"On or about April 1, the USMAA extends an appointments [sic] to the number of alternates on the national alternates list, in the order of merit in accordance with the statutory command of 46 U.S.C. § 51302(d)(3), required to meet its projected yield. "
Best wishes to you and your DS.