Why is that worse? Also, isn't that the 37Signals way?
As far as "the 37Signals way", that path isn't right (or even available) to every company.
In my little bubble, everyone is a developer and never leaves the house without a large stick to beat off the hordes of roaming recruiters :)
I was only in the job market very briefly before giving up on the whole mess and starting a business. I didn't finish college, so it was brutal. The jobs I did get were non-traditional companies who took a chance on me. Sales jobs in particular will give anyone a chance to prove themselves. I came to deeply appreciate that.