Dialogues with Moderators

If you don't like the spam, complain to those who post it... But not to the moderators, they physically cannot review all messages and topics. [/COLOR]

Just my two cents. Just in case, I'll chime in. Not in any way claiming to teach anyone anything, or even tell them how things should be done.
I'm a moderator on Heroesleague.ru.
No one pays me for this either. Our forum is smaller than this one, but our entire forum is probably comparable to any thread on your forum for a specific version of Heroes.
Each subforum has its own moderators. But I review absolutely all messages. Everywhere. When I'm not at the computer for a few days, it takes a considerable amount of time. But still, I personally review all messages on the forum.
What's my point? You can be a respectable person. You can be good at Heroes. You can be a TV star and the pride of the forum. But to be a moderator, you need a lot of time. And patience. And a lot more.
I see you're having moderator elections here. Like popular representatives-deputies. Well, here's the thing. Being a moderator is a job. A tedious, difficult, and mostly monotonous job. Those who go into it for power simply don't understand. The power to delete an unwanted message is such nonsense that you only understand when you get it (along with a million responsibilities, of course) that it's not worth the effort.
That's why I don't understand the elections. In any case. Moderators should be responsible people who have the time and desire to work for the good of the forum. Being good, kind, and responsive is not enough here. And I don't understand the election process. It's not a privilege. It's hard work...
So, moderators should be appointed, in my opinion. Tested in the job. And kept or removed. That's the only way.
As for those who are elected... Well, I don't know. Let them be the face of the subforum. Arbitrators. Something else....
They're unlikely to be workhorses.