[Gustomaximus]

> I thought recruiters weee judged (and compensated) based solely on if they filled the position

I believe compensated.

For judged, if pickings are slim (or bad offer) they still want to send people to show they can, even if it doesnt work out. If they are sending no-one to to client they will look at other recruiters. This way they show 'competence' and buy time to find someone who would accept or the client says good enough.