If I want to apply for a Longshot, do I have any better chance of waiting until after the decisions start or does it not matter when I apply? Am I any less likely to be rejected by applying earlier or later? 

Nope, it's the same. And longshot actually means very, very, very long shot.

has anyone ever gotten a longshot job?

someone may have once said they did on the forum.......odds are slim and none and slim has...

Why is it there are so many jobs @ lower prestige schools that aren't available to coaches?  If you build the prestige of a team up over time shouldn't lower prestige jobs be waiting for you?

I've got a Mid Major DI job and tried to move up.  Been to a tournament for 7 years straight and my prestige has actually gone down.  I think it was PT, NT, NT, PT, NT, PT & PT.  Even got up to a B prestige, but now at a C+.  I haven't been able to move up to a decent school yet.  Really want Louisville, and they have been without a coach for 3 years.  Last year they went 2-25 or something.  Down to a B- prestige, but they don't want me.  I'm a winner but they would rather stay 2-25 every year.  Any other school that is open and a Big 6 is either out of my reach or "a step down". How is a team that is a Big 6 "a step down" and "a hit to my loyalty".  These schools have an inherent bias on their behalf, get more recruiting money and if worked right will win every year.  How is that "a step down"?  Big 6 schools are a step ahead of the game yet the computer thinks it is stupid to move up.  Even a perenial loser at a Big 6 can become a Final 8 contender before a Mid Major in todays game. 

john - so ignore simmy and take the big 6 job that is a 'step down'.  You'll get hit in loyalty which just means you need to stick it out 4-5 seasons.