tbh, we had a similar problem where we got a worse rating because our application didn't have "audited source code," but we were applying to host a writing contest with Kiwi lol

Yes, and there is absolutely no place to write a feedback/review. I tried on a government forum - post got banned.

Is the title implying that insiders of optimism have an easier time applying ? Believable but no evidence provided)

Catching headline. The issue with evidence based analysis is that a similar analysis would be paid in range of 20k USD dollars. Me applying to do the analysis and not getting properly graded is exactly this problem.