Richard, even do your input is seen as loony to some people I hear you....
I personally believe that you can't get on a festival just by submitting, festivals= politics ergo you need to have a contact on the inside, or someone in their board that will push the movie for you, example Sundance, right, it's a business, you just need to know how to open the door, a 35 dollar entry won't do it, press - reviews- recommendations- hype- and big names will usually do it, if not you don't have an outlet for you movie, no matter how great it is.
Now on the other hand, I had a friend that shot a great film on Super 8 video submit it, and was selected and got deals to direct commercials from so many people. So I think in my personal and humble opinion that to be accepted is not just a question of one side or matter, instead is a combination of different campaigns and effort ... again politics
Best Regards