It also allows the devs to subtly encourage different behaviours. If they so wanted, they could give awards to the best team players, the best commander, or some other player who significantly contributed to gameplay.

I read through the rank structures, and didn't find an explanation, but thanks for your somewhat curt response, Twigs.

Thanks for your more helpful response, Un-Co.

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to take anything away from these guys, I've played along side and against most of them, and recognised their names instantly as they are excellent players.  I just didn't understand the point of making the first set of Moffs and Admirals so soon after the launch of the ranking system.  Afterall, at that rate we'd be knee deep in Moffs after six months!! (and by the way, it wasn't me that described the higher ranks as unattainable).

In the meantime, I think I'll temporarily defect from the Galactic Empire and join the Rebel Alliance.

Now, what rank should I give myself?  Hmm...

The top ranks are just the top 'x' number of players among ranked players (NOT dependent upon actual score, unlike the other ranks). Nobody's been playing long enough to get the top normal-player ranks, so they seem to jump up 8 ranks when they get into the top players, but as soon as they go off that list, they'll jump back down 8 ranks. That's what Twigs was referring to.

GC Veteran (0.14-R6) "General Jafar"