There probably are, but given the level of malicious compliance the user base has been exhibiting, how many of those mod applicants do you think intend to make another "pictures of John Oliver" rule? How do you separate the legit mods from people who just want to carry on the protest?
I guess they could audit submission history, but there's a chance of that blowing up as users decide the mods are shills. I've rarely seen Reddit as mad as when they decide someone is a shill, and the vitriol is likely to make the new mods' lives hard. Especially so if they're new mods, and aren't as used to people hurling insults and maybe death threats at them (I don't know how likely death threats are, but it seems like everyone with any online visibility gets them these days).
I'm sure they could eventually find mods, but I think there will be chaos in that process. I guess the question is whether they're willing to extend the current chaos to keep free moderation, or if they'd rather pony up some money to end it now.
Edit: added "free" in the last paragraph, last sentence between "keep" and "moderation"
I guess they could audit submission history, but there's a chance of that blowing up as users decide the mods are shills. I've rarely seen Reddit as mad as when they decide someone is a shill, and the vitriol is likely to make the new mods' lives hard. Especially so if they're new mods, and aren't as used to people hurling insults and maybe death threats at them (I don't know how likely death threats are, but it seems like everyone with any online visibility gets them these days).
I'm sure they could eventually find mods, but I think there will be chaos in that process. I guess the question is whether they're willing to extend the current chaos to keep free moderation, or if they'd rather pony up some money to end it now.
Edit: added "free" in the last paragraph, last sentence between "keep" and "moderation"