https://www.a-league.com.au/news/hyundai-a-league-club-academies-earn-accreditation-new-national-system
https://www.sydneyfc.com/news/sky-blues-academy-earns-first-2-star-status

Are they pay to play ?

Or the best players being recruited regardless of financial Status ? 

well ofcourse the AL clubs will get the 2star accreditation. As if they would get knocked back.

Yes more than your average NPL Club in some cases.

They select from the financial status areas like NPL, they don't go to Community.

Too right. FFA has heavily weighted every opportunity to their own Franchises.
That's why this will end in tears.
One rule for A-League participating in NPL and another rule for NPL Clubs, starting from Governance.

Some things just never change - just a different era.

I always keep optimistic due to my passion and overall look at our game here but I suppose we keep waiting for someone to finally be up top with a big stick and broom to brings thing in line for the better of all.