Lastly, keep in mind that all of the above numbers can be adjusted depending on if you are using a Neural, an RSL, and if you are Human (+10% xp reward) or Ingeron (+10% max energy).

Nice little summary there. Only place I can see you are wrong is in number three where you say no ones auto ranked off pvp. Easiest way to get really high actions once found. Can be done with about 13x rank in energy, but it varies alot so unless you have more then that I'd say add some npcing at the start of your level. Should give you a nice cushion. 1-3x rank in energy should be plenty. Numbers are from personal experience with an neural, no rsl and while a talth excavator.
Cant personally confirm its rank causing the difference in exp. Seems to be affected.by howe much you do and take though.

I didn't say no one has auto ranked off of pvp. I said no one has stepped forward and claimed they have done so; unless that is what you are doing right now.

^^ Awesome. Congrats!

Mind if I ask, were you targeting higher ranked ships, or did you just increase your energy so as to get anyone in your range and still rank up? There are screenshots floating around of massive damage and bonus xp if you bring down a high enough ship.

payed no attention to rank sorry. mostly lower i believe. tends to be what shows up on my bt. and yeah i wasnt all that picky i just got alot of engineers and then went at it. after a few levels though started cutting it too close. had to add some npc in to make sure to make the level.