The Wood Elves are light on members yes, but so are we. We have to get players from somewhere, besides it is up to them whether or not they choose to become a High Elf or not and it really shouldn't be up to us to dictate whether or not they can. I don't really see the issue in regards to being able to change subrace and obviously the server admins don't either, with the ability to /subrace without the help of a GM.
I think the word Elitist fits the High Elves quite excellently, because thats exactly what they are. The Mali'Aheral way is essentially a culture, other high elven players often do not value the same things therefore doesn't affect them the slightest. What it means to be a High Elf or a Wood Elf is completely up to the individual, we at no point have claimed to tell anyone how they should act or behave, provided they do not belong or have entered Haelun'or. Our lore states that these pools were involved in our transition from common elves to High Elves. It is simply a piece of lore created to explain how we came to be. I understand your argument against the subrace changing ability and to be honest this idea hasn't be officially introduced to the server so refining and long discussions on the matter have yet to be held.
I don't fully understand the purpose of your 3rd paragraph, I have explained numerous times that no one could or would be forcibly made into a high elf due to the long amount of time it would take even if the lore was introduced. Meaning there would be no power 'misuse'. I again don't fully understand why the server would have to undergo some amazing change because of some fountain that caused us High Elves to originally exist.....
Again I understand your reservations but the fact of the matter is, nothing has been officially adopted.
Edit: And If I may also add, in regards to setting a precedents for changing subraces, players can change subraces freely. We are simply offering a legitimate RP reason as to how that might be possible.