Hello...I'd like an explanation about Agent Ranking

I've been on AR for a month or so and am beginning to get the idea of how the rankings can change. The information sharing in the various groups is great, but what I'm confused about is how the public might view the importance of ranking.

When I look at the rankings in my County, and then compare that against the agents' actual sales as either listing or selling agents over the last year I find almost no correlation between a high ranking and an agent who is doing a significant amount of business.  I think this may be confusing to the public, but also I think that if what I find is true elsewhere, it would make me less comfortable in selecting an agent with a high ranking as a referral.

Or am I missing another element of AR?

Thanks.

Jim