For what it's worth, I think they're starting to shift more and more away from all this. Which isn't to say that they're easing up on their rigor, but I did their MA program last year and my interactions with the faculty, especially the younger ones, weren't all that bad and I did feel like I had a lot of support from my advisor.
Also, just FYI! In my interview with them, they mentioned wrapping up interviews last week. I think they're looking to release the results sometime this week or next (but don't quote me on this!). Based on some of the info from previous years though, I feel like we should be hearing back from most programs in general these next few weeks, which...eek.