I wonder if the disconnect between pirates and their nautical level could be lessened if there were badges rewarded for sinking ships as well as defeating enemies. This is probably something that should have been included way before Ship PvP and those badges.

We collect badges for defeating all kinds of enemies, but why not for sinking ships?

After all - many players are badge collectors, so if there was a Badge for completing the Pirate's Regatta 10 or 100 or 500 times, like there is defeating Kane and Moo Manchu, I think there would be more people teaming up for the gauntlet.

There should be a whole category of badges for ship sinking, just like regular combat.

Big Kahuna is for defeating 250 Water Moles -- yet we've probably sunk at least 100 water mole ships but there is no badge for that -- Water Mole Wipeout, maybe?

Shark Reaver for defeating 500 Cutthroats -- how about Reaver Raker for sinking the Threepenny Rake 100 times?

After all - look how many players went for the cookie badges!