a1. Unfair to the newbie that came to this forum for knowledge and possible earn. Those guys who have been earlier were not required to have this
Knowledge is free. Everyone who wanted a knowledge doesn't mean he/she needs to rank up.
yeah.. indeed knowledge not equal to some rank.. as long you can learn, rank is just side effect
But if can not only learn, but TEACH your rank will increase accordingly. I mean that to be able to share your knowleges with the community you first need to get these knowledges.