Good topic and very instructive - thank you.
  I am one of those who say that higher ranks accrue little merit.
Just let all the higher ranks take their first 50-100 posts on our forum - and try to evaluate their posts on their merits.
Let them begin to appreciate themselves, and then they will demand good posts from the newcomers on the forum.
You have more than once give a good analysis, and for this I am very grateful to you.
P.S. Look at your reflection from different sides - and you will see the truth ...