That's because with the stagnation there's A LOT outside the majority demographic that have times/quals on par with those that are within.

Sad FACT, before 9/11 that just simply wasn't the case. FACT, pre 9/11, pilots who were hired who were outside the majority demographic had HALF the times/quals as those that were within the majority demographic. HR and recruiters would often say that with ZERO reservation back then. When airlines do the compare/rank/rack and stack of applicants it's often done with peer comparison. Not just mil and civ, but other demographics as well.

And yep, the three women I know hired recently were very competitive. Two were instructors. I also know one that was turned down, competitive as well.