The representative democracy was, I think, more about keeping power more evenly distributed, so that larger groups with more same-universe people wouldn't be able to create voting blocks, which would be an issue with a direct approach.
I don't think the purpose or functionality of the bylaws was ever outlined in the constitution in a way that allowed for their creation. I think that's why things developed the way that they did.
Honestly, I think the easiest approach might be to create fewer, larger squads with more than one representative per group, thus even if someone leaves they won't be without representation while they sort out replacements. There's no real reason for the squads to exist as they currently do.