I know a community that held the event after being rejected to ensure that the "processes" where still in place for the future. They are now on the list again (haskell).

I think GNU should do something similar.

Ask HN: what are some OS projects that have a process to recruit help? Should OS projects have a "survival strategy"?

See for example R: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/organizations/5111129224...

Is clearer than Sagemath (IMHO): https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/organizations/6362857865...