there is no harm in openly putting forward your nominations and show your interest and give your reasons why. this allows members to follow you and to see how you do manage and react to things as a normal user while getting to know you for when you feel its time to apply for real.
maybe the title of future members should read.
"Expressing an interest towards future nomination as moderator"
except those who believe they have put in the time and posts to be considered
yes i think that in itself is a good idea, pave the way so to speak for any future interest, then when the time comes or the need comes for any future moderators, the ground work is done, the trust is built and so this would be a lot easier to gain the confidence of members and the team that are already involved.Which is a very important point.
maybe the title of future members should read.
"Expressing an interest towards future nomination as moderator"
except those who believe they have put in the time and posts to be considered