Guess you never have been involved in the process. As for my son's academics they are higher than a 4.0 and include many honors classes. Academically he is on track to attend an Ivy or even a NESCAC. What is so difficult about that. We have many friends who's children have attended elite schools and we have modeled the path my son is on after their children's. It helps he is an excellent lacrosse player so the process has been accelerated.
That's my exact point. I am deep in the process at similar schools so I know very well what you are talking about. But I would never boast that my child is "on track for academics alone" when I know they are getting better treatment because of their athletics. I know too many non-recruits with great academic stats who get denied. IMO to not acknowledge the advantage an athlete with good grades has is a disservice to those kids.
