I have gotten 3 1k hats out of the 4 guilds I've joined ( a lead disliked me, and was friends with the leader so I didn't get hat )
I don't understand why people think they will get hat if they join in 700, 800 hours or even 900 hours. All you have to do is join early, remain active and hat is yours!
But honestly I would refrain from joining guilds where the leader has many friends, i know this friend who helped for 700 hours, was pretty active, but his spot was given to a lead who joined at 800 hours. Most leaders just care about getting 1k, and giving hat to friends.
I can give examples for guilds like these, but sadly it will start a forum war.