I do agree that we make many unconscious decisions (and some conscious) based on appearance, but any discerning adult knows that there is so much more to a person than just their appearance. I guess this just depends on the person though, since I do have a friend who truly decides whether or not to follow up with someone on a dating site based on looks. She says that if there is no physical attraction, she will not be able to find the "spark" in the relationship. For me, though, people become more beautiful in all aspects as I learn to love them.
I'm not dissimilar to your friend, in that my initial attraction to someone is most often a physical one. Is it not for everyone? Our physical presence is the cover letter to the resume that is the rest of us. However, after the physical attraction, if there is nothing beyond looks, it fizzles pretty quickly. As for beauty contributing to someone success, I don't think it's all that shocking. I also think that if you are not born traditionally attractive by modern standards, it's not difficult to take steps to become more presentable. Whether it be through hygiene, grooming exercise or clothing, it's not difficult to present an image of success.