Susan, I wonder if it would perhaps a good idea to move this into a separate ED thread, explaining what it really SHOULD mean. Also, I am not 100% sure, but from my D's list it appeared that only NYU had an ED option (only one school had EA, and another few had rolling admission).
I am actually quite happy to learn that there is a list that circulates, because when we heard about those people auditioning regardless, I found it to be quite frustrating that the only thing we could do was to say that we did not really get it, and that it did not seem an ok thing to do. I have to say that when my D sent those emails to either the admissions people and/or the musical theatre departments she received the nicest congratulatory messages back.
At the same time, some people do face financial hardship and are being offered little very aid, but I guess you ultimately do need to factor that in when making that ED 'yes or no call'.
For those of you still auditioning, there is some good news buried in there
as it will mean that a few extra slots will become available; I also hope that those people who are "maintaining multiple slots alongside their ED acceptance" will come across these posts!