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The space marines are not JUST genetically enhanced humans, they are also a symbol of inspiration to allies when deployed. That and Efficiency isn't exactly the Imperiums greatest strength.

One is actually surprised the marines don't recruit more often and a lot more - every other piece of fluff has them losing scores of men in this or that hopeless battle that they still manage to win.

i'd have to agree with the guy that "Grimdark" was the only reasoning behind it all.

Also, if i wanted some new tactical psychopaths for my chapter i'd make sure i get the hardiest, bloodiest survivor of the bunch and nothing gets that done than letting them go on a test that has a very high fatality rate.

Well, in the Great Crusade era, it's likely that the chances of a properly chosen initiate of making it into a Thunder Warrior/Space Marine might have been much higher. After all, the Emperor himself was still around at that time, and actually understood how the process worked, as opposed to simply applying it by rote. So, it may not have been as much of an issue which planets the applicants came from, and maybe of more importance that they were loyal to their primarch.