Totally agree. To that point, I was trying to do this on my own and it's nearly impossible. As a corollary, Pioneer Fund has something like 26 founders & staff + various software tools to review each batch.
And then, yes, if you think of $10k from the other side, as CEO I don't want 100 people in my cap table that I need to signatures from for every corporate action.
You both are right that you won't get into many of the "hot" deals, but I don't believe there's enough data to show those turns into the best returns.
I have also gotten into a hot deal or two as a nobody. I write to the ones I am interested as early as possible with what I like about what they're doing, what I think would be helpful advice, and how my experience may be relevant. I also write checks same day.
That said, its a numbers game, just like any form of sales.
And then, yes, if you think of $10k from the other side, as CEO I don't want 100 people in my cap table that I need to signatures from for every corporate action.