The amount of time you've been in the forums is far from being a critical factor
No, actually it’s one of the most critical.
As Qhimm already specifically stated, if you weren’t here to see the old days, how things were, how the site was run, and what is expected if we are to get back into that type of forum-style (it’s like lifestyle, only in this case the forum is the life!), then you can’t be a moderator.
I’m not saying you aren’t competent for the job; I know you are a contributing member who seems to have a decent head, mature, etc. No one has ever complained about you.
But “being around for a long time†isn’t as linear as post count.
Look at how long I’ve been here and then look at my post count.
“Being around for a long time†involves seeing how the site was, knowing how this site was specifically run, and being able to compare how it was then to how it is today.
I am sure you do a fine job on your other forum (where I may even post my project), but different forums are run in different ways and by a different set of standards.
It may be true that you have a lot of what it takes to be a good moderator, but you’re only half way there.
Proving yourself stable, reliable, responsible, and forum-knowledgeable is of course expected of any moderator, generally for any forum.
But when we get down to forums that go past the general forum standard and into their own social standards, this is where you, as a moderator, would also be expected to have more than general moderating experience.
I am not trying to speak FOR Qhimm, but rather I am breaking down what he already said that you may have missed:
For the record, I'd never, ever entrust as much as a trashbin to someone who hasn't even seen what the forums used to be. How the hell do you expect to be able to uphold ideals if you think the last year is how the forums are supposed to be? Sure you could read a few old topics, but most of the signature topics are long sinced purged, and when you do find a good topic, most likely you're just sitting and thinking "gee, I wish I could talk like that". I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you don't have any purpose to post other than "it's fun", "it's a friend", "I've got nothing better to do", etc., then keep your fingers off your keyboard or I'll physically come over there and shove it up you.
This is what EmperorSteele wanted you to read.
L. Spiro