I can see both sides of this.
I can see how the reccomendation system can be based solely off popularity. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, combined with other factors.
I think what really needs to be done here, is be a bit more strict on reccomendations.
Rather than just saying "Confirmed rec", they should explain in detail why they think they would potentially make a good admin. E.g. what qualities have you witnessed that would want you to reccomend them.