Player Moderator recommendations only put your account name in the big recruitment pool for moderator status. They then review your account. Only people who would be genuinely picked for Moderator, are invited. Recommendations hold no weight and are only a way to "get your name in the system" sort of speak. Due to the high recommendation count, names are also skipped over.
Also take into your account they checked every single account ever linked to your IP Address Trail. If any accounts on that trail have botting, scamming, bug abuse, or hijacking offenses, there is 1% chance you will be picked.
I don't mean to be a buzz kill, but I have several close player moderator friends, and they have all told me recommendations hardly help. They, as well as I would agree it might boost your chances %5-%10.