It is possible to see if there's an unapproved answer on a request, but you need to be granted a certain priv to do so. Anyone who is interested in Support is able to request this priv, and it's given out pretty freely. I'll go ahead and give it to you since you sound like you might be interested!

I can see how it may seem like a waste of time, and believe me, I've been frustrated like that too! That's why we give the priv out to pretty much anyone who asks. You have to ask, though-- giving it to all users would defeat the purpose.