No, not hundreds, but as theymos and I have mentioned reporting is the best way to choose a candidate. If you're not willing to report then I'm not sure why you would be willing to moderate the section. Besides, if the French section is such a mess as people are claiming then reporting hundreds should be easy, but if nobody is willing to out in the effort then you can't complain.

Most mods are chosen this way. Think of it like a trial for a job, but people make reports to help the community. No staff member should be expected to patrol their sub board constantly all day looking for things to do. If you spot something that breaks the rules then report it and help out, but if you don't want to then fine but don't complain when other staff members can't see the need for another mod when there's no reports coming in from that section.