First, not an elite. Secondly, a greater overall perspective is better than a pre-concieved notion. The justices are to be as nuetral as possible with regard to the cases before them. They must apply the law being brought before them against the greater fabric of Constitutional principals in the background.
A moderate is one who has no core beliefs that he will not compromise, or in other words, will compromise his core beliefs for the sake of reaching a consensus or expediency.
Being willing to listen to all sides has nothing to do with being moderate, not being willing to defend your core beliefs and principles is the hallmark of being a moderate.