I appreciate all the posts. Per the official zoom today, AD doesn't expect to send anyone till roughly January 2023. So I guess the answer is to not give up, keep the apps flowing and be as ready as possible to interview if I get one (I just was not in a position to actually win in the couple I had...dead on arrival. I still could have handled it way better). I will also investigate the Navy and get some more info. And even then if those two routes don't yield I'd still have some time to try and go AD.
If I really stare into my soul, I won't be happy until I've exhausted the pointy option. It isn't an ego/glitz/glamour thing, while fighters may look impressive at the air shows and steal the attention of the public, a lot of which probably don't know jack about flying anything, that isn't the only driver. I don't know a soul who would care what I fly besides myself. And my parents, bless their souls and intentions, would much rather me be doing something else entirely. It's something about the speed and maneuverability, the complexity of employing weapons in dynamic situations and having an immediate and direct battlefield impact. I do truly respect all types of aviators and the flying they do, and I'll never see one type of pilot as superior to the other (missions may be different but the overall goal will always be the same). I respect anybody who pounds on their craft in order to excel at it, no matter what it is.
I'll keep chasing & flying when I can, and I'll post back with updates as the situation develops.