Woah, that was long as hell. I had to take a bathroom break in between. Lol. I understand where you come from Cheech & I respect CAG, its Code, and the Processes it has. It takes a well established community to have engraved processes that the members will run with. But, just from my experience with XeC, this path led us into a dark place. Mainly, because the people who are qualified for the position, felt like they've been cheated and didn't really get a fair shot. That is completely understandable, because like I said earlier in the thread. We as humans tend to play favorites, subconsciously. Just because we have a closer relationship with a person, we automatically, without thinking, feel like that person is more respectable, honorable, and dedicated because of that bond between the two. Plus, when you leave promotion in the hands of a few people, personal discretion's against someone tend to get in the way as well, which may seem to play a part here, not 100% on that, but that does happen in a situation like this.
I really don't want to overstep lines Cheech. But, I just want to give you Leader to Leader advice. That's what I am doing. & Even though you seem set in stone how your processes work, you may want to revise them closely, because I promise. This won't be the last time this situation reveals itself.