This Theory of Apostolic Succession is not based in reality. If we consider James, the brother of Jesus, as an apostle. He is the ONLY APOSTLE described in the New Testament as permanently presiding over a church. We have no example in Scripture of any Apostles directly appointing Bishops. We do have a lot of Scripture detailing what traits and gifts a leader should possess, but the monobishphoric structure did not develop until the second century.
Thus, your unbroken lineage passed on by Apostolic Authority is just a THEORY.
It is a historical, not a scriptural fact; we do, however, see St. Paul mentioning that he consecrated Timothy and Titus, and he tells them to ordain others.
"We do have a lot of Scripture detailing what traits and gifts a leader should possess, but the monobishphoric structure did not develop until the second century."
That's simply incorrect, WF. We have historical evidence of both +Ignatius and +Polycarp having been bishops, and called that, in the 1st century during the life of at least +John.