I’m pretty far to the left myself, not only by US standards but even by the standards of social democracies like Canada and the Scandinavian countries. My bright and beloved older brother, however, was so far to the left of me that if he moved any further left he’d fall of the edge of the world. No criticism of @iiandyiiii intended, but in my general impressions he reminds me of my brother – which in many ways should be taken as a great compliment, but also a statement about philosophical differences.
Officially, the mod-to-be applies. But usually they apply because the existing mods have decided to ask them to apply.
Yes, I would describe it as “invited to apply”. I was honored for the ask, and had to think about if I should.