#48688,
I find the role of moderator to be a challenging and responsible role, which shouldn't be too difficult to perform, as this is my own role in my professional life as an academician with students, but I must say that they are easier to "control" as they have a great deal of respect for my knowledge within my chosen field of specialty.
I have to agree with you though, that my previous role as member has been transformed into that of a "bouncer" or "cop patrolling the street" (love your analogy btw) but not much different from my professional duties.
However, I have not chosen (as yet) to step down, as I am not a "quitter", but a "fighter" for my beliefs, which are borne out of my own and others shared life-experiences.