[argonaut]

> > which would seemingly reduce the standard for getting in This statement is fairly unfounded

This is basically just speculation (and rather uncharitable speculation at that). And, plausibly, if the YC partners manage to increase the pool of applicants faster than they increase class sizes (which is plausible because the class sizes have not expanded tremendously), it would only raise the bar

> unless qualified applicants are significantly increasing every year

This is probably what is happening.