Not really Texans. Based on past conversations, you seem to feel that promotions should be given based on Seniority. Promotions are not, and should not be decided based on longevity. Likewise statistics such as the most playing hours, most bans, etc are not the key to promotion. You're most certainly entitled to your opinion. But there are many factors considered by upper staff. Promotions are not earned by longevity. While we value and appreciate the time volunteered to the community, time alone does not qualify one for Manager or Admin. Besides, why would anyone think the owner needs to justify his decisions on promoting higher staff to anyone. It boggles my mind that you or anyone would think their input is more valued than the owner's.
The +1 system works as intended. It lets the community give their opinion on prospective staff. There are many times when these votes have influenced the final decision. In my opinion, we have an excellent staff team, due in part to the input from the community.
However, the helper management team takes many things into consideration, including the input of staff (who generally give their opinions in private), player statistics, and information the general public does not have access to. This additional information can lead to a 'popular' player not being promoted. While popularity can be an indicator that a member will do well as staff, it certainly isn't valued as highly as some other characteristics such as integrity, kindness, reliability, maturity, helpfulness and a lengthy list of traits we look for. Personally, I don't care how many +1s a staff application receives if I have personal knowledge of a member sheltering ban evaders or trash talking staff and players behind their backs. The staff team is a TEAM. Trust is of the utmost importance and is valued more than a large vocabulary or ability to impress others.
Again, I do not speak for the entire Helper Management Team, or all of "higher staff". This is just my opinion.