The top should be devs right, this is usually the way of things.
That is how it is at another place I am part of the staff.
Kernel/Framework devs = gods
App devs = semi-gods
Other team = kings
I am a semi-god, sort of work between app and some web based data systems that drive them.
Even when I was semi active at SMF I never considered any other team member of any important state besides the devs. The devs really do hold the cards and should be treated with more respect. As for finding devs should be a serious job and no one should be promoted to dev instantly IMHO. The software can carry on with just devs, as for the site being a pleasant place, well maybe not, but software will get used no matter the site.