Sure it does, -- it links the efficacy with righteousness of the petitioner. I do not disagree that God hears all sincere prayers.
Are you really saying that there are prayers that you have, but since you think God won't grant YOU a favorable answer you turn the prayer over to a Saint and then you will get a favorable answer?
What I am saying is that I choose to turn to a saint because of the nature of the prayer, and because it feels more natural to me. I cannot speculate if that can make a difference to the point of granting or not granting a request. Ask yourself the same question when you ask a friend to pray for you, -- do you think that if you pray yourself, it will not be granted, but with the friend praying it will be.
If we get right down to the nuts and bolts of it, let me just ask: when you pray to Mary: "Mary save us!", what exactly do you expect Mary to do for you? What actions are you asking Mary to take?
I expect Mary to pray for me to Christ, so that He is merciful to me should I falter.
Is Mary omniscient? omnipresent?
I have never thought that because I can't see any scripture to support it. Whatever thing I ask my friend to pray about is what I am also praying about. If that thing is within the will of God, then I know it will be granted, no matter how many people are praying for me. If it is not, then it will not.
FK: "... when you pray to Mary: "Mary save us!", what exactly do you expect Mary to do for you?"
I expect Mary to pray for me to Christ, so that He is merciful to me should I falter.
I mean, I'll take your word for it and all. But it sure doesn't "sound" like that's what the prayer is about. :)