In fact it is rigorous and transparent. I think both the applicants and the board are satisfied with the outcome. In other words, the quality or qualified nature of the applicants ending up in the pool is true. Those applicants who don't succeed initially can come back; they can reapply and provide better or more information. So even those who don't make it the first time can return or come back.
The end result is the objective, that is, having a pool of qualified candidates.