Bruddah, There have been a few people get in that don't fit the son/daughter/checkairman profile, but not many. The list gets pared down a lot before it gets to the 'final decision makers', and its these unknown people (who choose which applicants to send on) that are making it tough for a well-qualified but otherwise unconnected person to get hired. I know the Chief Pilot and director of Flight Ops are in on the final choice, but there are a couple others from management too. It can happen, but if you know someone here, have them bug Ray M. and Sue Y. about you and hopefully that will move things along. From what I know, you won't get called for the final screening until you are essentially 'in'. Then the final tests are more of a formality. Good luck!
HAL