That falls under the "too bureaucratic" item I listed. I'm not saying that your practice is wrong and shouldn't be used, I'm saying that it is a sign that I'm more likely to have further difficulties with your company and makes it less likely that I'll take part.

EDIT: There is a way to accomplish the same end result without triggering my spidey-sense, though... it's for the too-busy executive (such as yourself) to not be the one to contact me. Have a more-available subordinate be my primary contact from the get-go. They can then arrange a meeting with the executive as a sort of side benefit. That way, the person that I have the relationship with is the one who has time for that interaction, and I won't be getting "pawned off".