I think that what I'm actually torn about is if this actually means anything or not. YC is so methodical, and everybody can say on an application "I love this"

I think that what I'm actually torn about is if this actually means anything or not. YC is so methodical, and everybody can say on an application "I love this" but I'm guessing what really has to happen is that it has to show in your work, what you do, not what you think you want to do. On the other hand, PG at least, speaks a lot of determination, maybe even being the determining quality of success (after the initial choosing/starting I guess). You can have a seriously cool hack (or series of them) and have no determination at all, but there is no question "Tell us about a time, you, izak30, persevered against huge odds".