You are right, in theory. But the real problem was IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET A MEET AND GREET APPOINTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It became a whole new layer of "who you know" just to get that appointment. So even if you were willing to go the extra mile, show up whenever and wherever with your guy, some were still denied access.
And what about guys that have 1 or 2 recs, but not three? Rec are recs. Or they should be if they are strong.