It's kinda frustrating, really. I am always in last place according to the GNN news. I could have the best economy, most influence, most production, most research, etc and still be last. In fact, it seems that the only thing that determines this ranking is military might. Until I have a flock of medium+ ships, and have swatted down a few of the red's ships, I don't seem to climb on this score. I wish that that standing reflected all my great non-military feats. I just wanna get along with everyone.
