I sent a single email to the PD of the program I liked the best. I told her that I would be ranking the program #1 gave a few quick reasons why. And left it at that. I didn't hear back - not even a thank you for your email kind of email.
Matched to my number 1.
I've not asked if it made a difference or not - mostly because I don't want to know
But that's what I did. And it's the only thing I suggest if you're planning on doing anything. Like I said before - do NOT play games - most of the PD's talk to each other - so don't tell more than one place they are your number one (could backfire bigtime) and don't tell half your list you'll be "ranking them highly". It's vague, stupid, and smells of gaming.
The good news is, that at least if you tell your number one they are your number one and then you match there, they will know that you mean what you say and say what you mean.
Good luck!