Referrals yet no interviews

My firm might differ from others, but our referral policy limits us from doing an awful lot. It explicitly states that all referred candidates are to be assessed based on his / her own merits and consistently against their peers. They still need to go through the application process and complete online tests like all others (I presume you know this already, but for the avoidance of doubt this means (A) talk to MD, (B) apply once MD has submitted referral, (C) go through online tests, etc. At least at my firm, don't expect to get an interview invite just because you were referred.) I'm not defending the policy by the way, just telling you like it is (explained in the policy as maintaining integrity of the process)..

My read is that once someone gets to your application for assessment, they view your CV, cover letter, and the referral form (yes, we need to fill out a form and submit it, which is a chore - I'm happy to do it of course, but you can imagine it adds another to do), and then make a holistic view on whether to proceed that candidate. So it's additive to an application, but it doesn't guarantee anything.

Also keep in mind that I ask / email MDs I've worked with for years to do urgent, client-focused tasks and they still forget / miss it