> I would indeed expect them to ensure a good fit in response to my doing so. And my doing research actually saves them time doing so, because I included similar information about me. For someone who didn't, why would the company offer it in response?

Hah. I have done exactly this. Personalized story, breaking down my interest and background (not just rehashing my resume), putting something coherent together.

And, bluntly? I'm an excellent writer. While I may not be cranking out Booker or Hugo award winners, I know how to craft something.

Ninety per cent of the time? Crickets. It's profoundly demoralizing.