Chances are those strings you thought you had, were only noodles.
Maybe he didn't get hired because of your recommendation? Because I know a former DAL guy (furloughed and never went back) who never had a 4yr degree.
I think ther are always exceptions... Though they are few and far between. I have known someone like this as well, but he flew much, much longer at a regional before he ever got an interview-and his dad was a very senior DAL captain at the time.
-I guess they just don't want to screw up and let too much "riff-raff" in the door. Apparently, they learned their lesson after hiring Gen Lee. I mean-really, who would ever want that idiot working for them?