The flags are for any member in good standing that has 100 or more posts.
Other awards will be coming for things like site service, group builds, etc.
User ranks have been updated again, but no, they cannot be interchanged based on one's flag. The user ranks and the awards software are totally separate systems. It would require major custom programming to do that if it can even be done.
Sorry Wolster, but stick around long enough and you'll get "promoted" to the officer corps.
