Chat Moderation Response: One glaring issue on CoI

With the recent response by DE in regards to the latent chat moderation issues being revived again. It is nice to see a statement on logging of mod actions and a code of conduct being made.

But there is one issue that has been revealed by user u/Lord-Taco-the-Great on the hiring of u/DE-Bear being well connected to the circle of moderators that a large portion of the community has issues with. Crosspost to comment in announcement thread with proof

Another comment in same thread with DE Bear responding to Taco's secondary off topic reply but not to the OP, but it also proves that Bear and Taco have known each other for Taco to comment

Taco's third comment on this

A former Guide/mod's thoughts on the entire response

This is very concerning to me, as it brings up the issue of conflict of interest towards a position that requires judgment calls/decision-making based on impartiality/objectivity. I hold no ill-will or question the character of DE Bear, but such a conflict is very concerning for such a position regardless of character. Its the same reason doctors shouldn't treat family members/close friends. Or jury selection and the issue of CoI. In light of the timeline of events, this is extremely concerning and I feel warrants a separate thread for discussion and hopefully to bring a response by DE to clarify this.

EDIT: I would also like to say, given the past evidence and comments of former Guides on their experiences/occurrences. The chat moderation system/Guides system is under the head of the same DE person, and with how moderation approval works, the culture/management of how player leaders are formed are basically one and the same.