I was hired about two years ago as I stated earlier in this thread with zero internal recs. Our internal process requires the DL pilot to send an email recommending the DL prospective pilot.

Airlineapps recommendations from a pilot with an @delta.com E-mail address are not "internal" recs. As to your question about retired pilots doing an internal, my guess is that 98% of the time that is not allowed as an internal requires you to email selection from your @delta.com email. If a retired pilot has some connections in selection I am sure they might be able to help the applicant.

Best of luck!