Looks like I'm a month late to the party here. Hah.
Well, what I think is that whatever you change with the server, there will always be people complaining no matter what. Nothing can be perfect to a whole community of people. You can't please them, no matter how hard you try. My view on the ranks? I like them, to be honest. It makes me strive for something, it forms a purpose to play the game. From what I've been seeing, people don't like how I play. Why not? You might not see it, but I'm just laid back while playing. I used to play over on the SourceOP prop hunt server, and I've played the same exact way I play here. I might be quiet, but I've never had any negative effect on anyone to my knowledge. Well, of course, seeming to be serious and not talkative. Well, it's my personality. I'm rather reticent. I've formed friendships so easily on the SourceOP server. It just seems like Saxton is so...uptight, you know? People make the problems in the community, even if you might not even be aware of what you've done. If I've caused any problems, it's not my fault, since I'm just being myself. But of course, in TF2, servers specifically, are where there are many communities that form. I'm proud of how well structured this community has become, but it's not always heaven on earth. There can be a stormy sea where problems arise.
Personally, I feel like I like the GM server rankings better than SourceOP's though. It'd really be amazing to have both ranking systems on one server. Propmenu? Sure, I use it sometimes. I mean, you donate, you get perks, it's as easy as that. As to abusing it? I don't know. You paid $5 a month, for god's sake! Calm down. And for people wanting more donator perks? People can't get enough! Like I said, there's always downers and haters or just people who are flat out greedy. Seriously, not many use shotgun here, since it's nerfed. Small props shouldn't be a problem to kill with flamethrower and flare.
Just an opinion. Leaving mine here. Thanks.