[quote=@Tuujaimaa]
I feel like ten is definitely too many tiers, but three isn't enough for the level of specificity you need to be fair in a ranked system. If you're being largely lax about the ranked system then it's not so bad, but I don't think it can adequately match characters for the purposes of "equal" power levels as it is.

For just-for-fun fights, sure, the loose definitions provided by the three-tier system are fine. In ranked? Less so.

I am fairly certain that I could make a character on the highest fringe of the second tier and beat 90% of people with it (purely from a power perspective, disregarding individual combat skill) and I feel like that could be exploited?
[/quote]

Probably not under the restrictions of T1 Eden Era. Because you're under the constraints of the ranking system according to the fighting system we use you are for all intents and purposes matched in abstract terms of power and magic. They can defend against you in any logical way they wish, and the 'fluff' so to speak of your power doesn't matter.

For example, my Viking Character once deflected an energy ball with a completely ordinary shield, because the attack wasn't any stronger than my defence just because the character is written with magical powers which seem to suggest it should be stronger. Now, if they were literally the tier above that would be a different story. 

The constraints of the ranking system come into play with T1, because within reason anyone can be expected to beat anyone else, if they out-think them.