I know that wasn't aimed at me but I feel compelled to chime in here:

I suggested Moderator positions be temporary and rotate way over a decade ago.  That is not how things work here.

The moderators here are as human as anyone else.  Excessively INFREQUENTLY there has been and perhaps will again be abuses of power.  From arbitrary bans to not defending violations of the Attitude to blatent hypocrisy.  But these events have been super RARE on a forum with a lot of members and a huge number of posts.

The moderators tend to be very focused on making this place better and helping members rather than on a power trip.  And given a few years most of them just kind of naturally become less or inactive.

Also, whether new or regular members are aware of it or not, moderators take a LOT of abuse from folks who have issues around conflict and from trolls and they keep coming back dealing up huge helpings of caring.

The moderators appear to be chosen by The Traveler with advice and recommendations from other moderators.  This does make it a kind of exclusive club.  But it is no big deal because they are trying to help folks not bolster their own egos.

This place is owned and operated by one man.  It is not a democracy nor is it a social utopia.  Nonetheless the ongoing high quality and good work of the moderator team makes this place shine like it is in hyperspace.