I noticed a lot of discussion on the forums lately concerning Ranks and taking out spartan points from Halo 4. I myself like both features and have a simple idea to have both while keeping an extensive armory.
In Halo 3 when the armor you had meant something, it showed you’re rank and achievement in the game. The elite would have Katana’s on their backs and everyone was on the quest to do something amazing for Recon. In Halo: Reach Armor is bought not earned but the customization was broadened and no one spartan was the same.
My suggestion is to allow a classic skill based ranking system and spartan points. You should increase you’re level with a you’re k/d and medals and Spartan Points given whether you do good or not although the minimum should be given low performance.
As you rank up obviously more is unlocked in the armory and special armor is given based on commendations, spartan ops and achievements. This will leave players who are new to the game and below average sitting on a pile of Spartan points and nothing to do with it. Seeing the skilled with more armor and weapons will give them a reason to improve their skill and become more invested in the game.
TLDR: You get Spartan points but only rank up based on skill. higher rank unlocks more armor to be bought but more unique sets are unlocked via achievements, spartan ops and campaign accomplishments. This will cause the casual low rank player to become more invested in the game and promote becoming better at the game.