Sure, being unconnected is a disadvantage, but that doesn't mean it's one we should fight against. Having referrals and a network means you're not just a good

Sure, being unconnected is a disadvantage, but that doesn't mean it's one we should fight against. Having referrals and a network means you're not just a good coder, you are someone other people are willing to stand up for - that's a real world advantage in someone you hire. Ignoring that out of some sense of "fair" (if it's even "fair") would be a bad idea.