I think there is a major distinction between "we have a standard of expectations that roughly only 10% have managed to meet in the past" and "only the top 10% w

I think there is a major distinction between "we have a standard of expectations that roughly only 10% have managed to meet in the past" and "only the top 10% will pass". One pits student against standard, the other pits student against student. These create different environments and different levels of consistency in outcomes. Using the latter as a simple substitute for the former is a very disagreeable action.