Acepilot,
Interviewing 200 people would be bloody hard work. I suspect there's more like a 2 to 1 ratio; 2 interviewed per 1 vacancy. Winning the interview is not the hardest part, getting one in the first place is the hard part. Getting 2 is even harder, but statistically that is probably the minimum you need to get one offer if your skills are up to scratch in accordance with your hard graft plans because everyone else's probably are too.
Having your FTO move you to the top of the CV heap is not to be frowned upon or taken too lightly. It might not be what does the trick for everyone, but don't underestimate the value of it or turn down any help from anywhere.