Self-approving is generally disallowed across all NB BUT I do it sometimes when stories are not moving, but as I am paid staff member, I am auto-DQed from all contests.

However if Sonic were to enter, he would receive a DQ for auto approving his own stories, and there are easy ways of checking for that. Even regular members can check.

Auto failing affects story submission contests more that management only. If you reported a story vs a mod, the point count would still be the same. However, if stories were auto failed in submission contests and the mod was not right to fail it (e.g. not a good enough reason), then there would be a conflict of interest.

Pulling back stories generally isn't something you see but it happens from time to time when approvals are few and far apart. However in management months, we avoid it.

There really isn't a conflict once the mod is responsible with his powers.

But the status quo already is fair, all normal users cap at an approval rate of 3 votes for stories, we all end at the same number ie 1. To go above 3 votes is impossible, it can only be given to you.

Everyone else plays by one set of rules, to be given a leg up, an advantage no one else can ever get, well I dont think its whining when discussing the issue of fairness.

Blogs, news submissions, comment contests etc have at it thats all fair game - but in this case admins have special privileges which will guarantee they win a management contest. That is my point. If thats cool, I wont harp on it, but I'm not coming out of left field with this.

I'm pretty confused as to what exactly you're arguing. If 2 3-vote members approved a story, then it removes the odds of 3 other members getting points vs 5 1-vote members each potentially getting points if they choose to approve a story.

Also management points are earned by reports as well, so it wouldn't really be fair to say it's all down to an approval game. Mods generally are advised to hold back and let regular contributors do the job so as to create a sustainable environment. Sure sonic could take on a competitive role, but approving isn't the only way of clocking points towards the contest.

As a mod if you are the first one to get to a story and approve it, thats it, the story is approved. No one else is able to share in the approval process and in a management contest that is a huge advantage to have.

Right now I approved some stories and they are still pending for others to approve as well. That was my point. How can a mod compete in such a contest like that when they have an ability no one else has one that give them the edge? Again if its cool, then it is what it is.