Originally Posted by
DC7C
What is the practical difference between them? Can you get interviewed with one v. the other, all things being equal? Wondering if anyone can add to the mystery. How is one weighed against the other? Thanks....

It's 4 am, you're in the local jail and a friend is with you. You get one phone call. You call a friend. So the answer to your question is the recommendation is the dude you call and wake from a sound sleep. The guy sitting next to you yelling, "dude, that was awesome!!!" - that's your sponsor!
PC