I do like your analysis, Elizabeth.

Medium has to consider a million things at the back end before it releases results. And they did check all the boxes.

I also feel that they didn't choose anyone who has already been chosen for some or the other Fellowship. Because these writers have already been chosen / recognized by Medium therefore it's only fair that others get a chance.

Finally, the lesson every writer needs to learn is that the only validation a piece needs is of nobody. In the words of the fantastic Susan Sontag, 'A thing is a thing, not what is said of a thing.'

All my love.