You’re right, they are really competitive. Unlike the AD board they rely a lot on your personality and how you’d fit in the unit, so it requires a lot of face time with the pilots to get a shot. Which makes it kinda difficult for us AD guys to get since we’re off who knows where doing our job and can’t always take leave to rush squadrons in other states.
As for your other point, they usually have separate application “cycles” for flyers and off the street hires. So it’s a little more level ground going up against other non-rated people and civilians.
I see you in the PSDM forum a lot, I’m right there with you man, waiting for these results. Good luck brother