I personally have a network of alums I've created just by being on HN, attending Startup School, being interviewed (and meeting people there), and from friends.

I personally have a network of alums I've created just by being on HN, attending Startup School, being interviewed (and meeting people there), and from friends... This definitely would have made that process easier to get your app reviewed, but honestly it's often not the app that fails. That network advises me even outside of the review process so I highly recommend trying to build one yourself!