I agree with your assessment of Slughorn's methods. It seemed to me like someone's connections/status might make him seek them out, like Harry. But he sought people out on a wider set of criteria than just social status, as when he found out who had the highest grades and made a point of meeting Hermione. And he was always open to chance encounters and first impressions as well, as with Ginny.

Kimberly//Ravenclaw