Are Letters of Recommendation Necessary?

I live both sides of this equation, to an extent. I’ve taught in higher ed over many years, and having also recently completed a Ph.D, I’ve thrown my hat into a few academic competitions. Thus I write letters - though more often for collegial awards or Ph.D admittance - and I ask for them. And while I dislike the latter more than the former, I’m not sure much of value is coming out of most of it. More...