I am sure that absolutely can be the case with some panel members. But that's why they have 9 members to vote. and ultimately the 2 directors can overturn any decision by the panel if it seemed unfair and biased.
I also don't totally agree with requiring players to play up.. Take for instance if they're just role players that rarely see ABs on a great team that gets bumped.. So they've gotta move up and sit the bench some more instead of trying to earn a starting spot at they level they realistically should be classed? I'm all for weeding out sandbagging.. But the reality is some guys/girls just cant play at the levels they were classed for whatever the reasons may be..