Just because you need to have an active account to apply, doesn't mean they are only allowed to choose from active accounts. I don't know where people get that conclusion.

Your applications put your names on a list of players that provided information in order to help SE choose testers. If they needed to test a certain graphics card, for example, they can check all of the applications. This makes your chances of getting in slightly higher. This, however, does not mean that they are restricted to that list.

And how arrogant are people to believe that they are by obligation prioritized over others? Of course there is admiration and respect for those who stuck around, and SE can award those players for the support... but by no means are they obligated to provide you any more than they provide everyone else. Please stop being so self-entitled, guys... it's making our community seem childish. We got our Legacy rewards, dalamud horns, white raven earrings, special events, and even a free chocobo! Yet you still demand more?

By all means, despair over not getting into alpha and celebrate when you do get in, but don't presume you know exactly how the selection process works because that is completely up to SE.