You need to describe what you mean by reality. The reality that DOs cannot match into certain place or that they are powerless to change their education? You have to explain what you mean otherwise I will 'extrapolate' things.
I know a couple of PDs at my schools, if its about their field I'm all ears. However, once they start talking about anything outside their field I tune out. I knew many friends (mostly MD students) who went through the match and the common themes. Anything that deviates from those theme's, whether stated by medical student, resident, PD I tune it out. This comes from experience and listening to everyone has to say.
For instance, when you stated that there are people on the DO forums that state its okay to start research 4th year. If it was actually said, I tune this stuff out. Easy as that. Because I know its an n=1 post, this is something you develop through the years. You have been on this site longer than me and should have developed this skill before I did, this is common sense. As you keep reading, you will find these n=1 post. Then you will find the n = 100 posts for starting in summer of 1st year. This is the one you pay attention to.
Here I'll give you another example. I have seen n = 5 posts on actually doing a research project/case study and publishing in 3rd year (before you send out to ERAS). They say "you'll have plenty of time, you'll get out by noon or 5pm." However, you'll have n=100 stating that is it down right impossible to find time to do research in 3rd year. The latter who you listen too.
As for the last sentence, seeing DOs match into hyper competitive residencies/programs is a lot more interesting than seeing 100 MGH matches on the HMS match list.
If you re not gaining anything by coming on here, then what's the point of staying?