What would you do?

One consideration was how the 'cover letter' was phrased.

If it was along the lines of 'As an example this cover letter is the sort of thing that I can really help with your business. Just like the first impression I send to you with this letter, there is the first impression your business sends to the customer with your ad. I can bring you value here.'

Now if the cover letter was snarky or even left an impression that way. Thanks, but no thanks.

Dennis