Two things that have changed since 2001/2008 is the number/qualification of the new applicants, and that the hiring wave has just begun. Since there has been very little hiring in the recent past, many pilots have joined the 'level 1' candidate pool. I don't know what the current criteria are that make the various levels (Mil, GPA, school, degree, extra curricular, etc), but it sounds like they are only working through the top qualifiers right now.
Don't get discouraged. Keep your app updated, keep your record clean, your flying current, maybe do some professional development to increase your score, and eventually you'll get the call. There are only so many space shuttle astronaut, Top Gun commander, flying cross winning test pilots left out there.