I am certain that not all "reputable" showcases require a recommendation from a MLB scout, nor should they. Parents and some coaches do sometimes exaggerate the players ability. However, most high school coaches are interested in maintaining integrity (for future relationships) so they won't inflate a player rating. As everyone knows there are also good and bad MLB scouts. Some scouts only look at tools while many colleges are now looking at performance (the two don't always line up). Many of the colleges that attend showcases are interested in performance so if you only invited "tools players" they might miss a good prospect. Finally, I know for a fact that some of the Showcases (i.e. Teamone) will use a trusted area advisor to get info on a player. I know this because a friend of mine is one of these advisors (and he's not a MLB scout or coach).