As one of the "newer" members here, I think the lower level titles are good as is because:

It makes the newer guys feel like they are valued here and can be real participants.

If the "newbie" lasted until 100 posts, many would drop faster. The titles become rarer and rarer with each successive one.

I live the idea for custom titles after "Grand Defender." By then, each has their own personality and ideas posted here frequently enough for moderators and members to know what would be appropriate. The only questions are when and who decides. I lean toward the titles being decided by the moderators, with possible questioning of the honoree. Titles, by nature, are appointed gifts from others, yet should be unique to the honoree and ones that honoree would be proud of bearing. By that point, this inquiring may be unnecessary, for a proper title may be evident, or even obvious, by the personality shown by the posts themselves.

The moderators may create custom titles earlier for posters who are particularly notable for content and quality, rather than volume. Some intelligent posters are not aimed at numbers or feel they must comment on anything and everything. I value reading these posts because they are informative and worth reading. For example, if Matt Newsome (MAC) was just another poster and not where he is, would he be an honored member? Maybe, maybe not. His position adds weight to his authority, added to by his valuable content. There are several members I can think of that I ALWAYS read when I see them, others I purposely ignor for repeated stupidity. I hope I am viewed by others as one of the former. As for titles, the postive notable can and maybe should be honored with a special and unique title, while the former should be left alone and NOT silenced unless they brake the rules. I, generally, am not a fan of censorship, though I am a descendant and agree with many of those hated and accused of being the great censors of history (most are wrongly accused, while some are VERY guilty).

This last point needs to be different from "honored member," which is helpful in seeing a recognized authority respected by other members. The proliferation of titles allows unique personalities to show up and can be applied to members besides those specially honored. Thereby, the "honored member" tag remains special, while others may be subtly respected with titles that set them apart.

In short:
Leave lower ranks alone.

Have custom higher ranks for those that reach there before dropping out.

Have custom titles, named and decided by moderators, for members that are notable for content and consistant quality and thoughtfulness, besides "honored member" plaques.