I'm not in disagreement with you, andrew.

As a classically trained "rocket scientist", I will agree with your analogy.

I would also point out that (as I was saying, above) not everybody (and certainly not the "popular people who always post a lot") is cut out to be a moderator. There is a specific set of attributes that make good (or great) moderators (and age, maternity, and internet acumen aren't even factors, despite your mother's position. ), and these are rarely thought about or looked for when moderators are selected...