Its a question in the novel Birdsong, I keep asking myself, seen as in WW1 rank was important to define your role in the war, in the end there all equal but the author keeps reminding us of there rank, Why?

I am looking for a few areas that I can rank books (0-10 scale) to create an overall rating.

Some examples are ease of read, and interest the author generates.

Anyone have any other suggestions?