In addition to what HairyKunckles said, I think part of the reason was there was less of a personal relationship involving the successors. Back in the old days, the connections across the country were a lot stronger. Bosses in different cities actually knew each other. As time went on, and those connections weakened, there was no incentive to allow newer guys a place on the Commission.
Mods should mind their own business and leave poster's profile signatures alone.
