It's my perception (having not been there) that even more important than consensus is having each representative convene with their group to discuss and come to a group decision, and deliver feedback up to the council of councils.

Then, it would not matter who the representative was, because they'd be responsible to vote what the groups says to vote, and to deliver messages.

The fundamental idea of democracy is that each *person* is given an equal opportunity to influence decisions. If there's representation, the rep is responsible for *accurately* representing the will of their group.