<p>I see your point, but actually I think it is human nature for applicants to take the safe route and not risk their cards---so I DO think there is going to be a very large increase in applicants appying to Cornell and Dartmouth ED instead of Princeton and Harvard. Even with Harvard and Princeton's reputation and prestige, they are still going to lose no matter what when they eliminate ED and other schools do not follow suit.</p>
<p>You also point out the ethical merits of eliminating ED for both Harvard and Princeton. While they did play a role in the elimination, I am pretty sure they will be second tier once Harvard and Princeton realize the conundrum they find themselves in, that will not be on the top of their minds when they debate re-initiating ED.</p>