Having known several of these guys I'm talking about, you might be surprised at some of the reasons and motivations that the AF has to convene FEBs. Don't forget that sometimes pilots are cleared by FEBs and go back to line flying, too.

The accusation isn't always the same as the finding.

That being said, these boards exist in the midst of other experience and accomplishments in a flying career. You have to assume that the rest of the resume/application of these folks was attractive enough to offset the stink of the FEB, regardless of the rationale or outcome.