No ace program isn't hard to get in. They just reduced the size significantly.so your friends could have done very well but because they are
changing the ADA ( AI and DATA DEPT) LOBT size
They had to cut headcount. They did the same in India side also

Source: from last year batch. Pay is the same ure right, also last year they allowed some seeders to rotate internally into ADA which is where ace people are at.

If u really want ace, just go seed then do a internal mobility. Good luck!