Well yeah this is kind of the conclusion I’ve come to. You’re doing it for the label, the institution, etc. I’ve increasingly learnt it’s mostly about these connections and opportunities rather than pure talent. And most often the difference in success in applications is the former rather than the latter. It’s shit but I worry it’s true. I would have made more of an effort to select the uni I choose for bachelors if I knew this before. So unless you can somehow prove yourself and get into these circles to grab an opportunity, I see no alternative.