Indeed, this is a paradox: Dynadot, which didn't accept pre-bookings, seem to be the best! Maybe for this very reason: accepting applications in real time, instead of having to send batches at the same time, might be easier to manage, since it is after all what a registrar is doing every day.
No doubt in a few months there will be statistics of success rate among registrars, and there might be interesting teachings at that time.
While I don't expect much from registrars who were willing to accept submissions without advance payment, I would expect a better, on-time follow-up from registrars requiring advance payment (and in cases such as Name.com, deducting a fee even for unsuccessful applications).
Nevertheless, let's cool down: it is just too early to rush to conclusions, we have to understand the magnitude of a Landrush process, and be patient (don't forget that .tel names will be activated only by the end of the month).
I am not ruling out that we will still have some pleasant surprises: a name I applied for and I am probably the only one to have applied for (the name of a small LLC I own) is shown as taken, although I have received no news from the registrar.
