I'm curious about what the ranks of proficiency of the AI crew will mean

[Kaotyke]

Well, we know that it means "better than the previous rank", but I have to wonder "How much better?" What would be the difference of an Engineer Rank1 from a Rank5? Faster repairs? Better Refinement (if they can do that)?

I hope we get some details about those.

[CrabCook5]

Just hope the rank 5 didn't use Hydron to boost and actually know what to do.

[DrivaMain]

I believe it determines their “Inteligence”. Let’s say rank 1 gunner can’t hit crap and max rank gunner has aimbot embedded on their brains.

[(PSN)robotwars7]

depends on if the AI changes, but I bet it won't: e.g. a rank 5 engineer will do the same things as a rank 1, but maybe a little faster, or using up less resources for the same task. same with gunners likely having the same effective range but higher rank ones are more accurate within that range and can shoot for longer etc. as long as they do get better as they rank up, they ranking them up is worth it.

I'm not too worried about AI gunners being bad because between Particle Ram, Forward Munitions, and my front turrets I can handle most enemies myself, but I'll need the engineers to be good so that I don't have to get up and fix the ship after every major hit. 

[xcrimsonlegendx]

I'd imagine at least in part its their combat effectiveness and survivability.

[o0Despair0o]

I'd assume it means their competence in what they do would vary between "burned toast" and "remotely competent".

[Marvelous_A]

Probably just some stat change +10%/20%/30% and so on.