DowrgiI feel that the different ranks in Druidry are nothing more than merit badges, and don’t mean a thing.
I don’t look at them as ranks, a bard is a bard, an ovate is an ovate and a druid is a druid. The study, practice and time required serves a purpose, but let’s not forget that our druid spiritual ancestors took over twenty years, according to the ancient sources, to attain their status. I know many modern druid groups have a progression of “levels”, but I really don’t think they should be viewed as anyhow superior to each other as if they were some kind of military rank.
I also look at the study, the reflection and the effort as putting in energy so that energy will flow back, there’s never something for nothing in this world, or the other ones.