<p>Yes, sugarcoating isn't usually helpful. But I think it's important to maintain a certain level of civility, courtesy, call it what you may.. in posting.</p>
<p>I don't know if it's because the decision-day is looming closer, or if the holidays are stressful, but I think it would be good if everyone tried to be a little more .. friendly?.. and a little less competitive. The board (as a whole) seems to be getting really tense. Our applications are in, and what will come, will come -- why should we start to worry now about all of the other applicants? </p>
<p>I'm sure that no one here wants to cast a bad shadow on his or her character.</p>