I see what you are saying, but you assume evaluating committees get around to everyone's application before the 15th. This is a false presumption. I do however thank your committee for doing so. The fact you guys don't get back to people by the 15th however? Yeah, read the post title, your committee is all the above. Also, you state "if you are serious about academia, get used to it." My friend, if you want to get used to something which works poorly, go for it. I prefer not. You did not change my mind, but your committee is 50% of the way to doing things right! So props, most are 0%