Usually a good thing, but in this context? Probably not. Seriously though it was nothing personal and only surprising.
As is often the case, there are things members are unaware of. Like I know the gentleman quite well - from outside the forum. So his ability and qualifications to be a mod was based on that and not what he has done here.
Some things go without saying, my friend. Again, just because something is surprising doesn't mean it's a negative. You could have a buddy with no history join and immediately crown him a mod. This would certainly be within your rights, but doesn't mean we serfs aren't going to notice and/or be curious about it.