This is a great post to read, thanks for the update. I have a friend that I recommended to Steemit and they applied to your new process of application and they were denied/rejected. I have no idea why that would be as they have never heard of Steemit until they had spoken with me and they were only signing up for one account.
I also have a new friend who has recently applied yesterday, we confirmed their email address and we are now awaiting the second step in the application process for them to have an account to start blogging and joining our wonderful steemit community.
Any insight or information that you have would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,