Well, obviously you have to write a quality piece. The problem for many writers, especially the ones just starting out, is that their work gets rejected unread. Networking is a good way to overcome that hurdle and get a fair shake.

However, there are a lot of articles of inferior quality that make their way into print. People like Ivanka Trump get their work published mainly on the perceived value of their celebrity.

There is a portion of the publishing market reserved for quality writing, but I don't think it's the larger portion. Still, you're right in that there is enough of a sincere marketplace that a hard-working, diligent writer can carve out a place for herself/himself.

Cheers, and best of luck to you!