... and I thought this has already happened and large sums have been paid out by some shady figure who just calls himself 'The Photographer' (singular)! 😉
On-topic: I'm not even sure if that's what is suggested here, but I like the approach of trying to find both an alternative word for 'moderator' with less negative connotations, as well as giving the individuals who are up for the task a different purpose/job description. Of course a conversation can't (and shouldn't) be forced or reanimated by defibrillator, but some people have a talent of getting things back on track in a positive and enriching way for everyone, so - however idealistic it may sound to people used to heavy/strict moderation - I think it might be worth a try to find some of those and ask them (because I'm not sure they're usually the ones who raise their hand for a moderator position), if they'd want to give it a shot.
I have no good idea what to call this position though... perhaps it could even be a new/fantasy word, like 'reveree' (not really 😂, but you get the gist...) However it seems quite hard to find something that doesn't sound cheesy. When it comes to existing words, what about 'conciliator'? Might sound too technical/formal... I'm not native in English, so I don't know.