Honestly, I kind of agree.
But for the most part, the staff I've seen apply and get accepted went well over the "word requirement." In fact the requirements are just requirements, it's suggested you go above and beyond. Obviously it's easy to meet the bare minimum, but if you can write a whole frigging essay then you either a) copied it from someone else or b) you know what you're talking about.
It's important to make sure that applicants know what they are talking about, and at this point I don't really have an issue with the process or requirements.