I know the relevance of the "scholarship message", but often they seem to be very vague. I've been around the game enough to have opinions on all of them, but I'd like some clarification if anyone is sure about some of the messages we get in close battles.

Obviously there are explicit ones such as "You'd be leading in a race" and "The answer would be yes" as well as "I need more info.", " I'd have to say no" etc.

Some of the more subtle ones include:

"I really like the program, but I have other options to look at"
"You've sold me, but another school is doing a good job of selling their program too"
"It would be an honor to play for you, but it would be an honor to play for a couple of other schools too"
"I really love your program, but I have to give every program my full attention. I can't say yes right now.
I REALLY love the school, but another school might be a great fit too"

I've ordered them in what (from the wording) seems to me to be trailing to leading, but they could all be synonamous.
Seems that schools have signed with me after getting all of them as my last scholie message, and signed elsewhere after getting all of them as the last message.

Any info on this?

Coach, thanks again for the scholarship offer - I really like your program, but I have to tell you, I may still have some other options that I want to check out yet.

Here's another one for you.

there are some hints.  But some messages are almost cryptic in nature.

For instance reinsel's example comes when you're behind.  Compare the lower case "really" vs the upper case "REALLY" from nbstownman's example from a message of being ahead.
Another slight difference is a message saying you've got a "nice program".  Nice means behind.  Using the words "great program" indicates you're ahead.

i used to track these. if you keep a list of the last scholarship messages and what happens, you can sort these out. i can't remember how they shake out anymore. ill give you a hint though.

Coach, thanks again for the scholarship offer - I really like your program, but I have to tell you, I may still have some other options that I want to check out yet.

you often get this message, at least i think its this one, when you have a recruit considering you alone, and then he signs with you the next cycle. that implies this is a cryptic "leading" message.

if you extrapolate... that can help you build your list much quicker. in fact, if you have a couple teams, and dont delete your inbox (who has time for that ****?), you probably have enough info right there to come up with 90% of the list.