Thinking back on how I have heard the word "elder" used, I can think of two contexts.

1. age
2. someone who "shepherds" other people (implying a leadership quality and qualification)

I agree that just because you are older does not make you elder. There are a lot of people who desire positions of leadership (and currently hold those positions) that do not deserve the title of leader or elder. Each community must define what a true leader is and then appointment people to fill those roles.

Just my opinion. Thanks for the thought provoking article.