I appreciate that you have concern for this server. First of all, I agree that over the time, the server has faced a steady downfall in active players. However, apart from your above addressed issues with the staff, the main reason for this outcome is that this game is very old, and a lot of players prefer playing new games. The server might be lacking updates but there's no guarantee that it will bring back all the players. People have been stuck indoors for almost a year, and they would prefer going out rather than staying home playing SA:MP.
I have been playing on this server since 2013, and I got leader/helper after 7 years. I am not a Romanian, nor I knew any admins to get this function. I would say it requires you to have a good reputation with the staff and also a little bit of luck to get leader/helper, you don't really need to be very close with any admin, it doesn't work that way.
The rule of 250 days for leader was added when I was actively a leader, and I'll say that it felt quite short in my opinion. You don't wanna be in a faction for 250+ days and then a new leader comes and wipes the entire faction and you lose all your days as a member. There will always be some leaders who don't know how to handle members, some might even hate you. This is not a reason to reduce the mandate period even further.
I have already created English tests for few factions, and most of them do take tests in English, there's not a concern for it. If the leaders don't understand English, they won't have any English Testers either, it's common sense, there's no obligation for it. You can apply in most of them and you'll find a test in English.
But some updates are surely required, and a little bit of change is due. I surely hope that Owners will do something about it, and you will always receive a reply from the staff.