That said, I'm starting to realize that networking and social connections are what make the world go around. The world doesn't work on fairness or ideals. People get into positions because they're friends with those in power or can use their connections to "grease the wheels." Even organizations and events that claim to be fully democratic rarely are.
Seth Godin's new "Tribes" schtick seems to say that people like to form together into "tribes" that then support each other and the leader(s) of that tribe. Whether that's a tribe of Seth Godin supporters, a tribe of NY tech elites, or a tribe of higher-ups on this very site, it doesn't matter. People are going to stick into tribes, people will brownnose, and people will use their contacts and networks to get an advantage. Is it really worth exposing if it's going to always happen?