elderly Sister Self-Righteous (RS prez) in F&T: 'Well, my husband is ONLY AN ELDER, but ….
backstory: elderly brother so-and-so has some dark/hidden problem, (Sister SR has probably voiced details to her friends); Bp. Jackwagon doesn't want to signal the Entire Ward that brother so-and-so's 'problem' or 'challenge' isn't acceptable for advancement, (this was before a temple nearby, TR status is UNK). It seems that a monthly cup of the Evil Bean, or perhaps oral sex, or perhaps non-white shirts, or (gasp) wearing a bolo tie would set a TERRIBLE EXAMPLE for others...
The tradition of ordaining gentleman of advanced years to hugh priest came to an abrubt end in my neck of the woods when Rusty combined the men all into one quorum in each ward.
Several family members lamented that the only way they'd be high priests is if they were in bishoprics or certain stake callings.
Is it possible that the older man at the time was uniquely harsh about his personal worthiness?
My ward had one that would reject every push from different bishops to "advance" to the high priests. He just didn't think that he was good enough to advance. He was living the gospel as good as any other member; perhaps better. This was discussed about every other month in the early bird (ungodly to me) bishopric meeting at 6:45 am. I was the ward clerk that had to be part of these gossip fests (ward council too!).