Rich Holton wrote:
I propose an experiment:
Select at random 100 editors who meet some minimal criteria* and make them admins. Make it clear to them that they may turn down adminship without prejudice.
Then, we watch these 100 "probationary" admins for 3 months. If they abuse their admin powers in that time, their admin status is removed.
Within no time, you'll have people impose ridiculous criteria on what a probationary admin needs to do in order to "pass the test". Before you know it, people will be demoted simply for being on holiday and not showing up in a month.