The eaely Zionist leaders were decendents of the erev rav (This was mentioned by Rav Elchonon, the C”C, and the Gra). Why were they deservent of their positions, since “‘lechtaich acharei bamidbar, beretz lo zeruah”, they were paid up now. {from Noam Hamusar, Rabbi N. Wachtfogel, transcribed by Are. Teitelbaum}
That’s all that comes to mind now. You may want to search revach.net. Letters from the Steipler were published in a sefer called “kreina d’agresa”. Anything in there would help you.