I found this article interesting as they start out talking about the U17 Concacaf team success when introducing the DA playoffs. 5 of the 20 on the roster play for non-DA teams and 3 on the roster are from clubs that are returning to ECNL and leaving the DA after only one year. That makes 40% of the roster will not be in the DA. Seems to weaken the US Soccer position on this being the pathway to WNT.
http://www.ussoccerda.com/20180623-FEAT-U-16-17-Girls-Academy-Playoffs-What-to-Watch-For
http://www.ussoccerda.com/20180623-FEAT-U-16-17-Girls-Academy-Playoffs-What-to-Watch-For