When appointments come around they like to promote friends
I find this to be more important than money in many cases. The elders will try not to promote someone they feel will not tow the company line or agree with the particular mood of that body. It is true friends are often made via money or flaunting of their lifestyle...i.e. hosting gatherings where classy food and drink run aplenty where elders are always invited, but that person still may not be appointed if the PO and other prominent elders dont see eye to eye with him. Unless of course the CO likes him then he'll be shoved down the elders throats and likely be made PO or Secretary or SO eventually.