Great post! I wish I had some examples to give you...but I don't.
I used to be a "working insider" in this industry in Silicon Valley and much of my involvement came into play when hiring managers "went outside the loop," which was quite often.
I look forward to positive examples...but I don't think you will get too many because the model/process is naturally flawed. To have true success, you would have to go against the model's design...sounds weird...I know. :)