Technically having a staff recommendation improves your chances a bit, and the easiest way to get a recommendation is by being a staff's friend. That being said, I got hired without a recommendation. Personally I believe pr applications are a bit more 'rigged' than development related positions.

Here's why, pr positions are based entirely off what the person tells the hirer. This is a big chance because, well, quite simply, I can say whatever I want in an application, whether it's true or not. While development positions require proof of abilities in the form of past work/challenges as a part of the application.

The recommendation system causes a /slight/ advantage for friends of staff, however it makes sense and is quite fair if you think about it. Being a friend of a staff member gives you more exposure to that staff, and provides a better and more accurate picture of that individuals eligibility for the staff position. If an application asks "what is your personality like?" Only an idiot would say "my personality is rude and trashy". Most people will say they are funny, kind, and mature. These statements could be complete lies, however. Which is why having first-hand knowledge of someone's personality prier to being hired is a good thing(in the form of a recommendation)

Fortunately, if someone does not have a recommendation they are still fully capable of being hired in pr positions, so don't worry or hate on the recommendation system.