Since people rarely document papers NOT published, a 100% success rate for papers in a CV is kind of guaranteed.
It does often seem like some PIs have the 'magic touch' when it comes to publishing, and here are some factors that may contribute to this success:
- they work on a very hot topic
- they are very established [a] - unfortunately publishing begets further publishing as ones name becomes associated with a high quality record [b] they are possibly personally acquainted with some of the reviewers, which could help grease the wheels
- they are at a top institution (yes, this probably helps)
- they are working on several projects in tandem and so submit more papers in general
- they may be a pro at working the review process: invalidating certain dissenters by request or by inviting comments on a manuscript prior to publication (disqualifying them), or through fierce contest when papers are rejected.
Publishing is far from a perfect or even acceptable process, and many factors contribute. Those that know how to exploit these factors will be more successful, deserving or not.