Graves' idea is one that is contributing to the upcoming evolving changes to ROTM.......
As for members in "good standings", I totally agree that if someone is going to be exposed as TR's ROTM, there should be some positive reflection from the user. It will be hard to do "background" checks on all nominees and another thing is where do you draw the line....? I understand if there is published allegations about one user regarding scamming, but what about users that do nothing but troll or instigate and argue and earn an asshole reputation? Or ones who have been banned several times for obvious rules violations? These also appear to be a non-candidate reasons as well.... Note: everything I just stated is not said toward anyone in particular just mere examples of things that are negative traits that would then also need to be considered.

All of that said, this is what it boils down to:
It is just too much work to police and investigate user's backgrounds in order to qualify them as candidates-

We can't judge certain actions and ignore the many others that takes place on TR all day-

ROTM is supposed to be a fun interesting way to showcase your ride if you get nominated, it doesnt mean you become representatives of the site-

it is supposed to be about the cars and user participation regarding the competition-

If a user DOES have an online reputation (whether True or not), Somehow I believe in the powers of the people and most likely people WON'T vote or support said individual so basically it will solve itself. As we can see Secondz's ride is bad ass, tons of work and effort put into it and it shows by the votes so far as well as Josh. .

If you'd like to help in ROTM regarding "user screening" PM me so we can talk more about it and come up with a fair system regarding that.