Hey, great question. First off, I'd like to say this community's main purpose is to offer an alternative to the functionality found on Reddit r/JobReferences and other threads or social media that are similar. More directly to your question, based on my observations and experience of that thread and others, I believe it is a combination of everything you asked about. In some cases, you have people in the same fields building quick relationships and helping each other quid pro quo. Some are entry-level jobs where young people need a name and number. Many have gaps due to their health or a family members, pregnancy, mental health break, or other legitimate reasons and need a hand in a competitive market. Some are looking to help others. As for my experience, I'm an IT gig worker and constantly need references. From a combination of my refs not answering to feeling bad for badgering my refs, I started seeking alternatives and have used them successfully. And personally, over 20 years, I've grown to dislike the barriers corporations add to get a job and enjoyed seeing communities help each other with those issues. Hopefully, that answered your question. Take care!