I think they were overly-optimistic in assuming that anybody selected for such an important position would be a patriot and have love for the law. A couple of centuries on and we see that this was a mistake.
The current supremes seem far more interested in a quiet life than taking on one of the more important constitutional issues of our time. They are failing to serve We The People and have to be impeached.
Why do you consider direct election a greater assurance of patriotism and love of the law? Need I remind you that 0bama was elected with some 54% of the vote?
A mistake? The Constitution a mistake? The reasoning of our founders (which you seem unfamiliar with at best) mistaken? And you call yourself a conservative? What is it you are trying to conserve?