What myth do you think you toppled with this post?

What you described here is exactly what everyone had in mind. Everyone knowing about it hardly makes it secret and slack members can derive great value for themselves from their membership, as we have seen already. Exclusive job opportunities, developing trust and connections with major stake holders and witnesses.

Getting your "name" known is one of the biggest obstacles on HIVE each one of us has to overcome. The slack "establishes you", its like a badge you carry around no matter how much you might want to disagree..
There are numerous benefits of being in the slack group. Its actually the most beneficial group you can be part of on HIVE. Besides opportunity, you are a part of the decision making process.
There is also a correlation between getting funded and being in the slack group. I actually see it as almost a prerequisite for getting funded with the DAO.