> The opinions of ordinary people will not count, not at all.
This is not correct. Jews have indirect electoral system:
People hire local Rabbis in a shul, support local schools, ask shailos and send their children and shekels to yeshivos. They also visit Rebbes and bring donations.
Local rebbes, melameds send their shailos and children to Talmidei Chachamim they consider best in learning and middos.
Eventually, this affects who is writing teshuvos, determines school curriculum, and becomes member of Meoetzes and Sanhedrin. Could a Talmid Chacham, like Rogachover, be recognized even if ordinary people do not appreciate him? yes, but only if other “accepted” TCim recognize him.