I'm pretty tired right now, so forgive me if I'm not terribly eloquent in my speech. I think to an extent, you overestimate the positive effect the titles were supposed to have in the community. They were simply meant to [i]encourage[/i] better behavior in the forums, and the fact that they're a spectacle worthy of the scrutiny they receive indicates they've to some end done their job. You seem to think their purpose was to "clean up the streets" a la numerous 1970's "good cop in a system of lies and corruption where the police chief turns out to be the drug kingpin in the end, but the unorthodox and controversial but effective protagonist catches him and gets a big promotion and begins to change things on a systematic scale" crime flick. As was aforementioned, newcomers arrive, see the titles, wonder what the deal is, find out by some means. This simple process alone should inspire the future dedicated members to behave in a manner becoming of the higher titles-- and from a community standpoint, the demographic of members who do/are going to stick around are the most important. So this rationale causes me to find it interesting that you accuse the titles of not doing their job by: a) not inspiring better behavior by way of example, and; b) causing elitism. I think these flippant accusations of "elitism" are often unfounded. You want to cry elitism? Cite some examples of Legendaries/Mythics saying "your opinion is invalid because you are merely a regular member." [i]That's[/i] elitism. Now, stratification, on the other hand? Well, isn't that rather the point of the title system? And as was also aforementioned, stratification doesn't necessarily beget superiority and/or inferiority. If someone is a Legendary or a Mythic, they've clearly done things to earn that title. It makes nothing they have to say superior or more substantial to that of anyone else, only more reputable. This kind of stratification is seen... well, everywhere. Put it this way. Wouldn't you trust the opinion of someone who's worked at a company for twenty years and has risen through the ranks to a position of authority over the opinion of the entry-level grunt who's been there for six months? Of course you would, why wouldn't you? Now, this analogy is somewhat flawed, because with that salty, time-tested relic's position of authority attained through his/her rank rising comes actual, tangible influence and power. He or she can rework the system to suit his or her needs and screw over everyone below. Now, refer once again to my previous statement that the titles do not necessarily indicate superiority. Mythics don't have special privileges that Legendaries do not, and so forth down the chain. There's no power to be had. That's why Mythics don't promote to Forum Ninjas. Blerg. I'm tired.