Why are recs absolutely necessary at some schools, while not expected at others?

[Hartofsec]

Just to be clear, my question (OP) was not whether PNMs should obtain recs for schools on the must-have-recs list, but why as alums (at some schools) we insist on it:

I guess my actual question is . . . if chapters at schools outside of the must-have-recs list are able to recruit wonderful pledge classes full of accomplished and felony-free young women, are alum-generated and endorsed recs really necessary? Or do we just do this because we have always done things this way?

If any PNM who will be attending one of these schools is reading -- by all means, gather recs for each chapter. And get started now (if you haven't already)!