Do standards guarantee inbox placement?

No, standards do not guarantee inbox placement. Following standards creates favorable conditions and removes obstacles, but filtering decisions involve many factors beyond standards compliance.

Standards are necessary but not sufficient. Authentication must pass, but so must reputation and engagement evaluation. Content must not trigger filters. The combination determines delivery outcomes.

Think of standards compliance as qualifying for competition rather than winning it. Without compliance, you face significant disadvantage. With compliance, you compete on other factors.