I've always thought that applications are pretty stupid. Like most things on the internet, anything other than a few questions about character data, most of what is answered in applications are embellishments or outright lies. It's most useful function, in my opinion, is the ability to keep tabs on your active members whilst simultaneously providing a channel for communication outside of the game world.

I guess I can see the reasoning behind applications if you simply view each potential candidate as merely a tool to further your own personal progression(which has been my experience with many guilds using applications as a system to stymie potential problems).