I know this is no consolation, and it was briefly mentioned previously, but I've been characterized by many as the "Eternal Optomist" because I am always finding the good when I can. If 72 out of 1200 didn't make it through BCT, which is pretty average, that is 6%. That means that 94% DID make it through. Again, pretty average.
Also, of the 1100-1150 who do make it through BCT, approximately 150-200 won't make it through the 4 years at the academy. 25-50 will drop out before the end of the 1st year, another 100-150 will drop out befor the start of the 3rd year. Another 25-50 will be let go for other reasons, usually academics. The graduating class will wind up being around 1000. This too is normal.
I've also seen most times, from those who did leave during BCT or even during the first 2 years, that it's not traumatic after the initial disenrollment. They had a very enlightening experience about themselves and the military. Some go to college and join ROTC and still get commissioned. Some enlist. Some stay traditional university and move on to a fine career path.
The point is, everyone handles the academy and military life differently. It doesn't matter if it's something they believe they wanted for many years. Until you're there, you have absolutely no idea what you've gotten yourself into. Some have no trouble whatsoever with the physical or mental game being played. Others, can't grasp the need to take 1200+ kids from 50 states, territories, and even different countries, and break them down so they can be built back up with common goals and direction as a team. Then, later on, being given the ability to regain their individualism to become effective military leaders. But in the end, 80-85% do make it all the way through, and this has been effective for more than 50 years. The same goes for the other branches of the military who have done so for hundreds of years.
The academy can never be a place where 100% of all entering make it through to the end. Not because they intentionally kick people out, but because they know that the majority coming in realize that it's nothing like they expected. Most will adapt to the unexpected environment. Some will realize that the final goal isn't what they wanted after all. It would be nice if we could see the future and take in 1000 cadets that we knew 100% would be there to graduate. That's just not how human behavior works. There's nothing wrong with finding out that the academy and maybe even the military isn't what you expected. As long as you learn from the experience and apply the lessons learned to your future endeavors, all will be good.