I finally got to play a Pantheon Game last night with a live person on my side and at least one living person on the other.

The improvements to the connection code seem to have improved the connections to real people on the pantheon.  It was also one of the most fun games I've played in a while.  Granted, my team won but, also, previously the game would pause for several seconds in both pantheon and custom games.  Last night went very smoothly.  If you want to test the Pantheon code, play Pantheon games.

Honestly, Ranks and Ladders are probably already fairly tuned.  You, yourself, have already mentioned that the GPG has spent months working out a ranking system and ladders while working on the Supreme Commander Beta.  They probably will use a similar ranking system for Demigod.  As it's proven tech, it's probably on tap for limited testing probably starting next week, just to work out any possible kinks. 

Personally, I'm glad to see that they are trying to iron out the connection code first.

I am not sure you are aware of this, however; as an interesting twist, Stardock is pushing to get the bots ranked.  This means that unless the AI is capable of beating people, more likely they'll only be used to provide filler for lower ranked games or in multiples against higher ranked Demigods as part of Handicap matches, 5v2 or 4v1.

I think they're already going to have different ladders, and tourney ladders.