Moderators have the ability to moderate. Some posts are automatically caught in the moderation queue and require manual approval. Some threads get started in the wrong folder and have to be moved. A small number of people have to be turned over to Spam Cat. Some moderators can moderate anywhere in the forums. Others only have authority over a single folder.
Ranks are primarily based on how long the person's account has been active, now many posts have been made. and how many likes have been received.
There are also rankless individuals. Company Representatives get labelled as reps and are removed from the hierarchy of promotions. People like Sive are listed as Special Consultants. If I didn't to that, Sive and Pharaoh might get into an argument over who gets to be the first person here to reach the rank of General.