Community Moderators

I don't believe members should be moderators.  Member moderators create two classes of members.  The special people and everyone else.  Whether they intend it or are even aware of it, that little icon will give them the color of authority.  Whether they intend it or are even aware of it, they will biased when dealing with someone they've had a heated exchange with.

If members want to be moderators, then they should stop being members.  Perhaps a middle ground can be that member moderators that are actively involved in a forum should recuse themselves from moderating in that forum.  Member moderators should only moderate issues in forums they couldn't care less about.  Without actual and perceived impartiality, a moderator goes from being an arbiter to a bully.