Several academics get the feelings that in order to get accepted and published in some top-ranked journals (e.g. those with high Impact Factor and/or included in exclusive lists like the "basket of eight" in IS or "Financial Times Top 45" in Management), one should not just submit high-quality studies: he/she should first find their way through a sort of "obscure community", playing up to and building personal relationships with editors, possible reviewers and/or key authors and personalities in the given field of research.
However, assuming that personal relations are key to get access to top-ranked journals undermines the very concept of double-blind review academic research is currently built on; it also casts shadows on the actual openness and democratic nature of such top-tier outlets.
According to your personal experience (or that of your peers), what is your opinion on this compelling issue?
Thanks in advance for your contribution!