You don't have to be a mod to help. I've done my fair share of reporting redundant threads in the Apple Byte and iPhone section, and that privilege is open to all members.

Personally, I'd rather not be shackled by the blue Moderator tag. Reason being, once you hold that position, you will have to tone down your vocality and outspoken-ness in lieu of the status you're holding, because you want to be looked upon as being partial to the everyone. As much as you'd like to portray yourself as being partial, it's hard. There will always be a certain form of bias, and to hold that biasness in check to be a fair "third party perspective" as you put it, is a huge responsibility. I for one am not willing to let go of my privilege of speaking my mind out, just to hold a blue tag under my avatar. There are certain things you have to let go when you are in "The Fold", and it may or may not be offset by the extra privileges you gain by the Moderator status you hold.