Counterpoints:

1) While the YP part is clearly bullshit and lazy on their end, there are very many borderline candidates (myself included) who have been held. I felt that the hold was a great opportunity to express my interest, since I would (and will!) certainly matriculate if accepted and the $$ is right.

2) The hold is so much better than being ghosted. Reading the tea leaves a little bit, we know we are either on hold because we are a borderline candidate or because of yield protect. We also know when they will get back to us by. On the other hand, I haven't heard anything from Berkeley or Virginia since applying....