FP is an important factor
Many coleagues with ND and RD later than mine have gotten approvals before me. The only difference is FP, they got FP notices before I did and they did FP early.
Interesting fact is, my friend and I did FP on the same day at the same ASC (SFO) and we got approvals within a day from each other.
Therefore, if delayed FP can be a show stopper, imho.