I am a reapplicant who got in this cycle and I understand how you are feeling. I am sure there are corrupt sides of this process, whether it's nepotism or whatever, but I think the majority of "unfairness" in this process comes from demand/supply ratio. There are so many people who want to be doctors while the positions stay limited every year. Two or three cycles ago, rosalind franklin admitted that they could not review everyone's applications and that got me thinking, huh I wonder if the incident happens more than we think. This is why I think luck plays a role...and we just need to work on our objective aspects such as grades, ECs, and essays to somehow maximize the luck.
Mind you, my stats did not change at all second cycle (I actually retook MCAT and only improved by a point LOL), similar hours, (hopefully) better essays. I got three MD IIs last cycle and three MD IIs this cycle. I do think my essays were better, but I am sure my previous essays weren't trash knowing I got three interviews. I am super grateful ofc, but I now understad that this process has so many uncontrollable factors that we always should remind ourselves that Rs do not mean we cannot be doctors and there are many things that happen without our control. Best of luck!