[bruinaphi]

I think that comparing Formal Recruitment to AI is like comparing apples to oranges. When someone goes through FR they go through an arduous multi-round mutual selection process. I find the insinuation that going through FR is "so quick and easy" really insulting. I think both processes have their own challenges.

With AI it can take quite a while before the alum group members know the candidate well enough to recommend her for initiation. If the candidate is already friends, family or works with members it is a different story. I think that Navene said something in her thread about "Exclusively for Everybody." Every organization wants to get to know people to see if they meet the standards and ideals of the organization and to see if they will "fit-in" with the area alum group.