MacGyverMagic/Mgm (macgyvermagic@gmail.com) [050625 04:10]:
IMO large majorities tell us, a lot of users have seen them around and agree the particular person being voted for is doing a good job and can be trusted with admin powers.
Seconded. That's also why those nominated by someone else usually get a LOT more votes than self-nominations.
Admin mentorship is a nice idea. I would certainly help new admins get their footing, but I'm afraid it takes time away from what admins should really be doing. Fighting vandalism, deleting nonsense and generally keeping things running.
In practice, most new admins will know other admins and be able to sanity-check with them. I recommend this highly.
(My main advice for new admins is "Patience, young Jedi.")
Finally, I think we should encourage people voting for adminship to tell their reasons. That avoids "me too" votes and forces oppose voters to explain themselves so others can seriously consider the points they make.
Support votes are pretty self-explanatory - "I think they'll do well." There often isn't much to add. Oppose votes are a different sort of thing.
But the message you're responding to is a good one with many good points to ponder.
- d.