Pleeeeeeeeze write to Alexis about the mic use, because it is, as you say, an unexpected mix. I think the mods are the hinges, but the mods are often reluctant to exercise "their awesome powers" in the first place. Actually reminding panelists to use the mic is the easiest mod task: rote.

http://wischronicles-6.dreamwidth.org/ is the place to go!