I don't know the answer so this is a guess..... I would think it's less about the connections and more about the consulting and services. Like other college counseling services, I don't think these consultants are pulling strings to get anyone into a school or get a scholarship. What they are doing is sharing their expertise and knowledge about a fairly complex system. They are also helping a student get and stay organized, and sometimes serving as a buffer between the parents and the teen during what can sometimes be a stressful time.
I would think that if a gymnast/family has the time and inclination to educate themselves on the process, formulate a plan, and follow that plan, then a consultant or service may not be necessary. But if a gymnast/family wants to get some help, both in terms of expert advice and in formulating and helping to guide a plan -- and has the means to pay for such a service -- then it could be a worthwhile investment.
And just like a student who goes to a private high school with many college counselors may have as much of a need for a private counselor as a student who goes to a large public high school without college counselors, a gymnast who goes to a gym with coaches who are connected and engaged in the recruiting process may not benefit as much for these services as a gymnast whose coaches are less connected/engaged in the recruiting process.
Of course, those of you who have used these services and/or been through the recruiting process will know more!