It's because Thomas is actually qualified for his position.
whereas Thomas, who I think is the oldest or something
He is the oldest, but not by as much as you think. He's less than a decade older than next 3 oldest justices. He is by far the most senior (although Roberts is technically the most senior by virtue of being Chief Justice).
Bush not appointing Thomas, Scalia, or Alito as Chief Justice when Roberts was nominated was a travesty, but I don't think he had any incentive to appoint anything other than an establishment cuck to the position.
It's because Thomas is actually qualified for his position.
He is the oldest, but not by as much as you think. He's less than a decade older than next 3 oldest justices. He is by far the most senior (although Roberts is technically the most senior by virtue of being Chief Justice).
Bush not appointing Thomas, Scalia, or Alito as Chief Justice when Roberts was nominated was a travesty, but I don't think he had any incentive to appoint anything other than an establishment cuck to the position.