Texas has changed much in the last few years. I do not want a pro-anything judiciary either. I also do not think all GOP judges are good -- I worked to defeat several in the 2002 primaries. I just have a strong preference for elected judges and a strong preference against lifetime appointments.
I might be convinced to support appointed judges if they were appointed for a specific term with no option for reappointment.
As to appointed or elected - I, too, would opt for the elected. It is a matter of the lesser of two evils - but you know what they say 'the lesser of two evils - is still evil.' But keeping it an elected position - there is the opportunity for it to come out right. The other way - we are talking purely political payoffs.
I favor term limits - but then I favor term limits for every elected office.