My understanding is that the match was a success. For me personally-I matched at my first choice. 😀
Our GI fellowship program director told me that about 100 programs participated (there are roughly 150 programs total) and there was only ONE clinical fellowship position open in the entire match. Amazingly, the unfilled spot was at Stanford of all places. I guess they didn't rank enough applicants.
You are correct, the match does favor the applicant, because applicants are not coerced into taking a position out of fear that they may not get one.
Crypt