Madame Tree reappears...

I vote against icons, because graphics take too long to load - not everyone has a fast connection. (Yes, yes, Jaws, I know you envy my T1-in-my-pajamas)

I do like the idea of changing "junior member" to "new member", as it seems less derogatory while still enabling others to identify those who might be deserving of patience/detailed explanations. (Of course, I am sure that there are some very "senior" lurkers out there too) If you must insert a third tier, I like Rudi's suggestion - it seems to be among the most neutral ("passenger, crew, captain" isn't too bad either ) The complexity of posting all one's levels on different ff programmes seems to invite potential server problems...

OMNI: One of the good things about being far from a (regular) connection during all the server troubles was that withdrawal was forced upon me... and I suffered no angst about any loss in status, as it seems that one had to post in order to inspire the server's anger.