As I've said countless times, and have been blasted for, I don't think Aponte is the bigger issue here. I think the issue (and it's another talking point in it's own) is that Ross really didn't have a plan a head of time. And if reports are to be believed, Ross is the type of guy who remembers best who he talked to last and the process is making him indecisive.
Again, that's another issue on its own, but I don't think Aponte or Philbin are the issues here. I just think Ross has no idea what he wants to do as far as GM
Sadly I think you are right.
More than anything it seems like they are doing a bad job of communicating with the candidates.