Through gaining experience. Meaning, it will somewhat be a mix of both reach and halo 3. Halo 3 EXP is coming back, and the halo reach credits, in a way, will be making a return. So... you said you want a meaningful ranking system, that you needed skill to rank up in. Right? Well, halo 3 had a good, meaningful system. I guess you do get what you wanted then. Also, with the benefit of the 'spartan points' to purchase armor and other equipment. This, now that I think about it, is the exact system I reccomended a month or two ago... back when I was a newer member. And the way I saw it, and obviously also the way that 343 sees it, is that that way it is completly fair to all audiences. Now, the only thing they need to confirm is that of there will be both competitive and social playlists... It's win-win-win...win, actually. This is fantastic! I see they have also used another idea I've had months ago... equipment and armor that is unlockable, and very slightly andvances gameplay. This is great, in my opinion.