Totally agreed. I remember I’ve been also take in to account potential similar issue when drafting out LoCo Handover Process with other LoCo Council member folks. I’d like to mention we already have good place with mature audience to spread some words - Ubuntu summit. And also UbuCon(s) that have been continued for multiple years. And well, that’s why I also said “Encourage people already contributing to Ubuntu in many ways already but without Membership”.
This might be probably because you’ve already contributed a lot significantly when applying for membership. Also with good numbers of testimonials. I’d say the membership board does check if the applicant significantly contributed at least 6 month and also received enough number of testimonials.
If you ask why or for some proof, I already saw @mscho7969’s application was denied in 2022 as his contribution were not lasted more then 6 month (I remember it was like 4-5 month or a bit more). So he had to spend more time to contribute then applied for it again.