I cannot agree with this. The lack of discussion about the applicants helps the administration to be more impartial, less affected by subjective opinions, arguments and personal issues. In the end, the administrators pick (or invite) people to be a part of their team; the community doesn't determine anything about it in our case (which is right imho). So,
-1.
being an admin in a community isnt a honor but its a responsibility!
You're definitely right in it (though it's a honourable responsibility, but still responsibility). Yes, some of applications look as requests to join an elite club. But any administration team shouldn't be considered so. The 'elite club' is VIPs community, not admins.