@gointhruaphase, I think I agree with what you are saying above. My problem has always been with the idea that a “slot”, which is limited in the language of this board to kids with below average admissions stats, provides more certitude in admissions than a “tip” which, again according to this board, is the level of support provided to recruits who have academic stats above the average. There is no way that that is true.
Assuming a rational universe (a big assumption at times) recruits are going to be ranked and supported by athletic desirability. There is simply no way a kid who just so happens to be a potential Olympian at shot put but really wants to go to Williams is going to have a harder time getting through admissions than a kid who will maybe top out as a conference placer thrower simply because the potential Olympian did better on his SAT. No one really believes that, do they?