What do you mean?

Oh, that they should endorse new applicants?
Hhm, they're not active enough.

How about one person of each rank or something? Maybe that's too many people to ask...hang on, I'm getting an idea.

Every new applicant has to collect endorsement points. Every member has as many endorsement points as he has posts per day (but endorsement points do not decrease or anything). He can give his endorsement and therefore his points to an applicant. Once the applicant has the endorsement of enough people he will have enough points to join.

Good idea, or bad?

I like the idea of having only dedicated members be able to join the group...however I don't want it to be too hard.

Also, you're moderation on this group has to pick up.

I am moderation has to pick up?

I'm not sure about this endorsement thingimajig, but I'm in favour of cordoning off the ropes for now. Also, if you do that, try and do some sort of member clear-up, get rid of the ones who are inactive/spammy. Make /--\ a real priviledge, so that you can actually feel honoured to be a part of this club. Whereas now, you just need 1000 posts, a 360 and a Halo game to get in. Anyone can get that.