I'm not a fan of democracy, and this position isn't particularly important, but this election should be pretty interesting. It'll be the first big election in the Bitcoin ecosystem. There should be a lot of nice drama. 
Don't worry, it's not a democracy when you have to buy in to vote, and you can pay $100k for your own board seat. Oh wait it's modeled on real rather than ideal democracy. Never mind, you're right!
Work their asses off? What board member is working their ass off? None, I have yet to see a board member do more for bitcoins than me or any other bitcoiner. It is a sham, and you are caught in it.