Nothing is an absolute guarantee or kiss of death. In general, the more you do the better your application. I did not present at Astro and I had plenty of interviews and matched high on my list (last year's match). At the time of my app it was listed as "submitted" to ARS.
I think it is getting harder to get accepted at Astro as more and more residents and students are focusing on research. My project which was accepted on first try to the red journal was turned down by Astro.
I guess I shouldn't say nothing is a kiss of death. I can think of some extreme examples. Failing step 1, writing a personal statement about your previous life in a traveling sideshow biting chicken heads off, or going to a Caribbean school are all virtually kisses of death.
