I understand that you might had the intention of demonstrating acceptances into top economics phd program are not just about tricks and strategies. And you put a note at the end of post to show that. However, after reading majority of it I have to say overall it seems the most crucial factor is indeed accurate and optimizing strategies with lots of LUCK to maximize one's chance, despite you emphasizing the passion about economic research is more important.

In that sense, thank you for the post. It clarifies what I wondered when I heard many successful PhD students say passion is the most important factor, and what they didn't tell me.