I agree with all that, except Di'Anno. They have a thing for vocalists. If Rod Evans from Deep Purple gets in, so does Paul Di'Anno. That was my "logic" (though I agree with you on the "sensible thing" idea.)
And you're right; there's no way they get in this year.
Why do you think so? Masses of fans will vote for them and they will get in.
If Rush got in HOF in 2013 due to their fans why wouldn't Iron Maiden make it in 2021?
And you think RATM will get in before IM, they will get more votes? Come on. Iron Maiden is a bigger band than RATM.
The fan vote, cumulative, counts as one vote amongst the rest of the people who get a vote.
Look, I'm the minority on this point, but the RnRHoF is a political tool to be wielded by Jann Wenner and his lackeys (yes, I know he's gone now and the new guy has been more open to "pop success" over industry insider cred, but it's still concerned with identity politics dynamics as much as the music). EVERY press release regarding the nominees lauded the "diversity" and "adventurousness" of the field. In the past, the Rolling Stone darlings - read those with the right political bona fides - all got in first or second ballot (Pearl Jam, Radiohead, REM, RHCP, Green Day, Nirvana). So right there, Rage is in (even though this is I think their third time on the ballot); helps that Tom Morello is popular and well-liked. There is going to be at least one rap/minority in, that's a given. Jay-Z. Tina deserves it on her accomplishments anyway, she's legend (she's already in with Ike), but she's got the political cache as well (abuse survivor). There is ample opportunity with those three to make beau coup political statements during the induction ceremony.
That leaves two, three max spots. One of those is the Foo Fighters; I don't get it, personally, bt they are rock royalty. Grohl does and says all the right things, paying appropriate homage to those that came before (McCartney, Rush), he was in one of the Halls' favorites (Nirvana), and he's an industry guy. He's in. I think Todd Rundgren is in as well; his production is enough to get him there, but he's got the cred to cover multiple bases as well. That leaves one spot for Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, The Go-gos, Carole King, and Iron Maiden. I just don't see a metal band comprised of a bunch of white guys from England who sang "Bring Your Daughter... To The Slaughter" breaking through that.
(And by the way, since I have to: I don't OBJECT to the Hall putting those other artists in, I just object to the hypocrisy of the Hall; if it's about the music, make it about the music. Just be honest; if you're going to have a club and make it a club, just admit it.)