I'd disagree with you that a moderate, leaning towards high level of competency is not required to get into and stay a Scion, most of the time.

It's true that some Chancellors have their heads on right and value RP and other things above an applicant's ability to PK/prep, but there have also been times where all a throwaway character needed to do was have a nice suit, PK a few folks, and start rattling off prep/game knowledge and boom, mix with water and you've got Instant Scion (tm).

It really does come down to who is in the boss' chair. I've see some very, very lame, power-gamey Chancellors and I've seen some Chancellors that were very healthy and positive not only for Scion but for the game in general and for less experienced players seeking to join the cabal. (Luckily, in the past couple years it's been the latter more often than not).

PS: I haven't interacted with the current Chancellor whatsoever, and so this is all based on observations made earlier than his reign began. I have no idea where Mharlonbrando (or whatever) falls on my Scion Scale of Coolness.