I think that's why there are both kinds of posting services available. I think that if you submit your work to an "Elite Archive" be aware that you are being judged by a standard based on the opinion of the mods and not as a public appeal issue. If you'd prefer not to be selected against, there are many communities and archives that are non-mod and are for developing writers, just know that you are in good and bad company.
I personally go to elite archives when I'm in the mood for something really good, complex, and fascinating. When I'm just craving fanfiction, I can rake through non-mod archives and a lot of the times find a gem thrown in there.
As long as both avenues are available options, the issue isn't as much of a big deal as stung authors may make it out to be.