Which is why the solution is to go to leadership that has no connection to the Apostles?
See, this is the problem. Even if the reformers are correct, that’s not enough to get you to the answer “I must join with you”.
If they say that Apostolic succession is unnecessary, then they have to explain where their authority comes form.
Judging by the constant splits of so many Protestant sects I would say they think authority is something self evident and subjective.