Yes, the British policy would benefit some of the strong customers - the good applicants/students. The British policy favors the established schools. So it is both 'discriminatory' and a kind of anti-competition. It will not fly in America.
However, today's open application system did not achieve its intended goals. It is being abused by people on two ends: the under representated minorities (they apply for many since the applications cost them nothing.) and the previligated over-achievers (they apply for many to overcome the low admission rate.).
Something has to change.
