Ask HN: Is Y Combinator is a cheap hack rn?

I've been an avid follower of YC for a while, looking for cool startups. But man, some of this stuff that the organization is doing is BS.

1. They're straight up just funding projects that are direct copies of trending projects. I've seen some projects within YC that have not only taken the UI another project with the same concept but have even taken some of the copy. Where's the innovation in that?

2. If someone has already been to YC less than a year ago, why the heck do they get prioritized over others that haven't even gotten the chance at the experience yet? It's absurd, I thought the whole point of this organization was to democratize innovation.

There are a bunch of other flaws that many of you can point out. But it honestly seems like YC isn't focused on quality innovation. It just seems like they're funding projects chasing the latest trend and backing founders within that inner SV circle. what are your thoughts?