I don't get what you guys are saying with it being a popularity contest. The mods have asked people that would be interested in assisting with moderating these forums to contact them. It's a job interview.
Certain people will simply not be looked at for the position because of the things they have done to detract from the enjoyment of these forums, it's not a true assessment of how they would perform in the role but it's bias due to what they've done in the past. Just because you spend every day on here posting, doesn't mean you would make a good mod.
I'll say again though, you're basically applying for a job. It's not fun and games, it's not a power trip, you're there to perform a function and be unbias towards everyone, regardless of what they say.
Plus you'd have to work with some Nazi dictator. :O