I'm not sure how your process went. Honestly I feel like I got very lucky.
What was the context? How did your process go? Maybe I can shed some light. I simply worked REALLY hard the past year and a half at the command, and asked my CoC for the meeting. He granted the meeting request, I got 30 mins with him and completely killed the interview/discussion I had with him. He was great to speak with, very nice and straightforward. He made no promises and I received the recommendation a few days later.