[HarleyD]

"...but PAUL does not pick the next generation of leaders. The point being, if the Theory of Apostolic Succession is based on the Apostles picking the next generation of leaders in the church it falls.

That is a most excellent point. Another point to consider is that no Apostle picked Paul and Apollos. Yet, they became apostles. So much for that "theory".

[annalex]

no Apostle picked Paul and Apollos

St Paul was "picked by Christ and then confirmed by Apostles Peter, James, and John -- the "pillars". See Galastions 2. We don't know anything about the consecration of Apollo.