Thank you for explaining that, van Leigh.
Another quick thing about levels: I disagree that they will be treated like a secondary rank system, because EVERYONE could reach the highest level, whatever it may be, given time. And I do think that OOC experience will show through this, because the better you get at a station, regardless of where you’re learning, the better you’ll perform during a Duty Shifts, and the more likely you’ll be to get that commendation.
To use your example, if you think Slate is going above and beyond in her specialty, offering a commendation would be a suitable reward, regardless of her rank or likelihood of being promoted.