I know quite a few people who had smooth SEC recruitments without recs -- but they all went through recruitment before RFM was introduced! I believe that was 2003 and seems to be what was the real game-changer. I know one SEC sorority alum who just last year was suggesting that PMNs not rush until their sophomore or junior year...she did at UGA and it was great. Well, her recruitment was in 1988!
Not everyone has kept up with changing times.
I know it does still happen in the SEC, but it is the major exception and not the rule. I don't know a single PNM (since RFM) who has had a smooth go in the SEC without recs, including those with a lot of friends in certain chapters. It's a huge recruitment-risk. Too huge to even consider.