Pat...
Perhaps he is making a broader point though. Not only does it matter who opens the letter, but what mood they are in that day, how nice they are feeling, if they are in a hurry, etc.
If you write the letter to the correct person, it gets past their secretary or the like, they get it in their hands, and they are in the correct mood...perhaps then you've got a 50/50 shot.
Regardless, I think it is always classy to write a nice letter, follow up with a well thought out and polite call, and then send a follow note regardless of whether you got access or not. Always stay classy and respectful. You reap what you sow.