Why is it considered bad to strive for a high rank? I've never really understood why it's held in such low esteem by some.
Some people view it as encouraging boring gameplay. They want opponents who aren't afraid to get in against even odds or at a disadvantage and fight it out. Flying for rank to a lot of people means flying in a group at all times, and flying 'timidly'.
Personally I don't want all my opponents to be the same. I like the diversity you get in the MA. You don't know if the guy you're engaging is a 2 weeker or a vet, whether he's going to run at the first sign of trouble or if he's going to do everything he can to kill you at all costs. The uncertainty makes the game a lot more engaging.
Wiley.