How about this? The old guild/trade union system. Amateur (not Official) Apprentice (not Official but has potential) Journeyman Master Grandmaster Because I like tangents, I'd like to put the usage of the term "Author" up for debate too. Though you can technically use it to describe anyone who creates something, "author" is usually reserved for someone who produces written works. How about track smith, track maker, track designer, crafter, architect, builder, engineer, fabricator... my personal favorite is Slope Stylist
Then duke Then Lord Then Ergranyl the Deafeter Then Chief Whip Then Vice president Then Your Highness Then president Then The almighty