RE; Letters of recommendation. I was using CAL as an example, since it was the thread. I'm aware that DAL, SWA, FEDEX, UPS, etc. also tend to rely on or require recommendations. I don't think I'm lazy, I was just trying to make a point; I have good, very long term friends whom I've flown with at DAL, UAL, AWA/USAIRWAYS, ATA, FedEx, SWA, family at FedEx and ex-coworkers at SWA, CAL, Cathay, & Allegiant. I'm also aware that corporate flying (and some corporations in general) do the same. I'm not denying I haven't had a friend walk in a resume. True, it does show initiative to try and find someone to get you a recommendation, but sometimes someone's got to wonder how narrow that initiative might be. That person "knew" the other for how long? Under what circumstances? The jump-seat? An afternoon barbecue? But that's a better situation than someone with better experience or qualifications? I still think its a less than fair situation. When the US military starts this for new pilots, I wonder if its still a good thing.