Fish_And_Chips:
sad to say, knowing someone (with referral letter) from any airlines always consider "helpful" but cannot refer as "scandal". there were applicants got rejected even they equipped CPL or even more. There are many reasons why ppl failed the cadet interview but i'm sure that your family background shouldn't make much different.
a lots of ex-cadets applied more than 1 or 2 times (or even more) to success, if you are really interested in pursuing a career in CX or as a pilot, just review your weakness area, improve it and keep trying.
good luck.