Tony, I think you're taking a negative view of this. What evidence do you have that this is the problem our community faces? I've been here for over two years now, and I haven't seen the "ranks" and post counts be much of a problem. I've gone from a newbie to an old hand, and none of the time was I thinking that I had to reach the next step, nor was I jealous of someone like you, who's had more posts than the ranks counted for since I've been here!

I don't think they give us some sense of belonging. I do see how they can do what you are saying, Tony, but the point is that they weren't doing that. I thought they were nice secondary titles to show a little more info about someone. I guess that's all.