[Taylor]

As has been said before, leadership positions and what they mean differ from team to team. Mr. Bill's "Golden Rule" (as lead mentor and lead sponsor, I have the gold, so I make the rules) wouldn't apply across the board, but it works for them.
There is a greater concept that is getting lost here - designs or decisions ought not be made by individuals - they're made by the team.
It's important to say here that team decisions should not be made by voting or consensus.
An idea shouldn't be chosen because it is popular - it should be chosen because it is right for the team and the situation - or at least it has the most amount of "right" out of all the available options.
Apply JVN's WOT if you must. It's surprisingly flexible and adaptable. But there should not be a figurehead student dictator (Mr. Bill et al. once again get the exemption). It just breeds contempt and mutinous feelings.

edit: Scott's right. Added "student" to the above.