Oh, so THAT'S how Scoundrel Rank 3 is started. I always thought it was semi-random.

One interesting thing you can do is sink Skeleton ships at least until your cargo reaches the maximum number. You can then either continue to sink Skeleton ships or attack a random Navy or EITC ship. Upon sinking it you'll immediately get Rank 2 (or Rank 3 if you happen to have plenty of Royal Chests). Only real benefit of this is not having to worry about Navy and EITC for a little bit, I guess, but I find it useful for when I'm all by my lonesome.

After you sink your fifth hunter, like clockwork, you get your "hat."

Don't even have to sink the ship. Just the first hit will get you the appropriate rating, depending on your cargo situation. Just found that out two days ago.

And, yes, that's what I do when I am out on my own, looking for gold.

One thing that's made me wonder: Does crew status affect the amount of cargo you get? In particular, does it affect the amount of materials? Should I be getting a crew to make sure I get more gold and/or mats?

I already knew that one, haha. I just never could figure out what triggered Rank 3.

Really? Last I remember, hitting the ship only started it at Rank 1, but then sinking it gives you the actual rank. And after testing it just now on Test, I struck a Corsair after getting 1 Rare Materials, 2 Ship Materials, 6 Loot Pouches and 7 Royal Chests. I only got Rank 1. Once I brought the Corsair down, though, I went right up to Rank 3, completely skipping Rank 2. This was all in a single open fire broadside from my Storm Chaser 5 War Brig.

I wouldn't think so. In my experiences it doesn't matter, you get lucky or you don't. Though maybe it does.

It's a pity that the Royal Chests have to go. You should know that's what every girl wants ... a Royal Chest.