A veteran is a trusted play that plays an active role in the server, voting almost every day. It's not someone that managed to get a rank because their friends are Veterans. Even if I were to be a very nice, trusted player that helps people. I don't play with people often, so no-one will know me well enough personally. They will go for their friends.
It's hard to get my point across; as wording my opinions has always been my weak side. I just hope you can understand where I'm coming from, as I understand where you're coming from.