Very interesting post. I think the founders envisioned and legislated a full and open cooperation between the Executive and Legislative branches in choosing such justices.
Such things as a congressional "pre-approved" list submitted to the president would clearly give de facto all power to the Legislative branch since it would clearly limit the Executive to their choices.
I think that it's a good thing that nominees appear before the Judiciary Committee because in spite of all the grandstanding and partisan politics -- it educates and informs the public. We not only learn about the nominees but about our elected representatives who are sitting in judgment.
I think the notion that only a small coterie of elites should control the process smacks too much of star chamber statecraft.