I am also a bystander whose patience has been taxed as my partner has gone through this whole process
This could've been a great chance for some actual transparency to come to the process, but alas.
One acceptance and one interview for her is a measure of vindication that she belongs in the process, which is a conversation I imagine lots of groups of people have to work through with how academia is.
I've also noticed how lovely and positive the people here have been, and it's a joy to know many kind and caring people set out down this path.