The simplest thing is probably just to ask for it. I'm sure if you went now and asked to be moderator for a hundred different mid-sized subs, you'd get yes from a few. If you "seem trustworthy", probably more than a few.
Its worth any maintainer to be familiar with these methods to build up defences. With a few sock puppet accounts a single person could do it on their spare time. A nation state or criminal full time enterprise could do several attacks.
It's scary and immoral but I find it fascinating too. Like the dark side of the how to win friends books.
Strangely not mentioned much in here is how these accounts are up for sale.
It's definitely never mentioned on reddit because simply saying one of the websites in an offhand comment gets you a sitewide ban and your comment deleted.
Wow that must be a lot of work
Wow I feel for you, friend
Yea id be happy to help out from time to time.
--- But needs to happen with other things.
Quite often seen in GitHub where an attacker can contribute to build trust. With Reddit, mini modding, regular submissions, good comments etc
Defense includes not being shamed or pressured when life seems more important.