I've been aware of the advice that it's better to rely on good referrals for a better chance at getting jobs than applying en masse so I know what you mean.

But at this point in life, I lost interest in finding deep connections with the majority of people I meet.

My network rarely tells me about jobs. But honestly I don't expect them to. Computing technology is very foreign to the close people in my life and I don't expect them to know much of what my professional needs are. I don't really go out of my way to help others- I am a recluse after all- unless you can count keeping them company for a while as "helping".

I hang out with friends very sparingly and don't expect them to help out with a referral. I barely know anyone working in my field and my only friend that worked in tech left mid-career and became a landlord.

Cold applying to local jobs on Craigslist from small places has historically been my most reliable source for jobs. More reliable than any recruiters, other job boards, or professional contacts (which have been 0% success with them).

Despite the low reputation CL has, it has treated me the best out of the possible sources I've tried. I'm not saying they are quality jobs, but they are jobs. I am impoverished, however and only reason I'm not homeless is savings and a free ride from the government.