@one1ofeach Are these parents of current seniors you are mentioning? It’s too early for them to speak to the college process, IMO, because they aren’t done yet.
I also think that those inclined to have unrealistic expectations are the ones to complain the loudest. I would imagine their are people who are fine with how things are but they just keep their mouths shut.
Have you seen your child’s school’s College Profile? I noticed it isn’t publicly available, which differs from many other schools that put it on their website. Consider asking for it.