Let me get this straight, so a college uses all sorts of criteria when admitting students for ED or RD, but all of a sudden for their waitlist they no longer care for the students qualifications? In other words everyone on the waitlist is equal? I highly doubt that is what happens. I believe they rank the students based on all sorts of factors, their academic qualifications, certainly the level of interest they demonstrated after being placed on the waitlist, perhaps diversity, and a myriad of other factors. This happens for ED waitlists that have been deferred for RD, and for RD waitlists. If there are admissions counselors here I would love to hear their more educated feedback.