Having rec letters can hurt your chances

I have heard recently from individuals currently active in 2 different big 10 school sororities (large) that rec letters can hurt a PNM. The word is that if they have ANY doubts about the rushee who has a rec letter, she is cut after the first round and actually gets more scrutiny than if she had no letter. This sounds like if she had not had a letter she may have gotten past first round and possibly gotten a bid later. Also, there are stories that the current members will make fun of the letters written as they review them. I'm sure that is understandable given human nature, but the letters don't seem to be taken seriously at all. Current members have commented that each girl should have an "equal chance," and that the rec letters are somehow "cheating." Maybe the nationals should re-educate current members about the value of loyalty through the legacy system. I know that a given legacy may not necessarily fit into a given chapter and should be cut, but to make it a disadvantage is not right. There are many alums who thoughtfully write letters for the purpose of helping the rushees, but maybe they should re-think this "help."