From: Sean Chasworth <SChazworth <at> AOL <dot> COM>
Date: 14 jul 1996
Subject: Re: "Theoretical" Elo ratings

To further add on - It would be natural to assume that the average Elo would
be lower than a 'rank standard' because players spend more time in a decline
phase than a learning phase.  It may take 5 years for an amateur, 15 years
for a master, but then continue playing for 20 more years before retiring
fully.  I'm sure many masters play well below their actual ranking in their
later years.

Are Elo ratings actually used to determine these rankings?  If promotions are
based mainly on performance against similar or higher grades, do the
committees separate the 'strong' 5 Dan from the 'weakening' 5 Dan?

In Sumo (wrestling), only the rank of Yokozuna (Grand Champion) is a career
title.  But if a Yokozuna fades, I have heard that he would be pressured to
retire, rather than have the title become devalued by poor performances.  Is
this also true in Shogi?