i remember i was in an AC once and someone in my group was talking about how their aunt was a partner thereA lot of the big US firms are like this too. If a senior partner likes you, you're most likely in.
I also have a few friends who have relatives at the MC firms from which they got their offers. I would give them the benefit of the doubt and say that they secured their TCs on their own merit, but behind closed doors, they'd brag about how their dad or uncle ultimately got them the job.
I think it's just how it is and it's one of those things that most likely won't change.
At least these firms recruit the other 99% of us fairly.
me after having gone thru 3 rounds of pre ac stages to get to the ac: