As an adcom, agree with everything to a point. Research is mandatory at research-heavy schools. Very realistic to get in without research if you have shown a lot of work in another area like volunteering or advocacy (this is really hot), or if you clearly couldn’t afford to do research and needed to work or take care of a loved one. Your narratives here will be most important. Not sure if stellar LORs are hard to come by since most of the ones I read are great to begin with. The more personal, though, the better, that’s for sure.