I like this idea a lot, and how it might add to the game's statistical results. Layers are important to make the hike to monarchy more difficult, but also achievable through political relations. I also feel as though there should be a limitation to what you can choose, simply due to popularity and power. Say, if your companion became a vassal and was seen as a lower rank, you'd have to invite them to your army and fight with them, using your own renown and relationship with them as evidence to other vassals that they are worthy of a higher rank. In contrast, if there is a vassal that you don't like that is of lower rank (possibly 2 ranks, not two) then you should be able to influence their lower rank (although higher ranks than you could have power to ignore this suggestion or order). Say, if you were trying to derank Dertherd's heir, he may disagree and use his power, but if he were to lose power, represented in relationships, money, and troop count (and likely other factors like influence), he may at some point not be able to override your decision, and thus begins your climbg to favorability within your faction! In conclusion: I like this idea, I just feel like another layer of complexity would be that you won't be able to just waltz up to people in your own faction as king and put them down, or as an important vassal, you'd have to alter the politics in your favour first.