I think anyone who has gone through or is currently going through this process can feel your pain. Something will have to be done to remedy this situation even if it means offering a non-improve their stats in the year between applications by refining letters/essays, expanding geographic range, increasing or diversifying clinical hours with additional practica, defending the dissertation, or getting a publication or two.
I have 7 publications in peer reviewed journals, 8 or 9 professional presentations at conferences, my dissertation is done, and my practica have all been at great sites. I did not geographically restrict myself and I included a representative sample of sites in terms of competitiveness. Yet, I am getting far more rejections than invites. Maybe it's me, but it seems that something is screwy about this process. 😕