You're completely correct. This is how corporate works. There is a very well defined system that has been created over decades or centuries of networking. You'r

You're completely correct. This is how corporate works. There is a very well defined system that has been created over decades or centuries of networking. You're not going to break into the corporate system on merit alone after all these years of 'by the book'. Startups - especially your own - are the best method for getting 'around the system'. Startups are nearly always very heavily based on what you can accomplish and ship in the first couple months you start there, and you will quickly build a name for yourself if you can succeed. There are also a number of ways to get 'back into the system' regardless of your age, such as the numerous degrees and diplomas offered directly at someone like you. Choice is up to you, but the reality is: there is a system to corporate HR and it is not based very heavily on merit. Decrying reality won't help you here.