[fitpolar]

I identify with your point about nepotism, but ironically references favor nepotism.

People who have been lucky enough to work great mentors, and smart & supportive colleagues, are at an advantage.

I personally didn't find one of these environments until 5 years into my career, so I'm well aware of the closed minded, short fused, agitated, demotivated, and political developers that exist out there. I know this may be hard to understand for anyone working in Silicon Valley where smart and open minded colleagues are probably the norm, but the other perspective is worth keeping in mind when it comes to references.