Ok so I just attacked a planet controlled by a Rank 190, it had 450 defense. I'm Rank 98, 822 attack, and I could only do 7-9 damage to the planet at each shot. I've taken NPCs with twice that defense without much problem. Am I missing something here? Why am I barely scratching this planet's defenses?

the max damage you can do is 20, so thats rather limiting in itself. i recently attacked a planet with 1600 defense, and i have aound 2900 attack, and was only able to do 6-9 damage per hit. i dont think rank affects damage, but im sure it effects invasion probablilty. i almost always succeed conquering planets with 1000+ defense when the player is in my 40%. i have currently failed over half the time when attacking level 15 planets with no defense on them. so, imo that needs to be changed.

the max damage you can inflict on a planet is 20, so you do alot less damage, take in mind the legion bonuses that apply to the planet, ranks do not affect planet defence.

Hmm, ok. I guess I'm just not destined to have this planet lol. The owner is legion-less, so there's no bonus to factor in, I just found it weird that I could barely touch the planet when I've taken others with a much higher defense.

Rank does play a role during the invasions! Especially if you are trying to take from someone who is past the time limit, but still under rank 20. I don't know the exact calculations, but many on here have talked about some time of sliding percentage in favor of the low ranked defender. Though it has never happened to me, I have heard of someone trying to take a planet with NO BUILDING STRUCTURES, and still failing to get it with a 90% chance of success.

That doesn't sound like it was favoring the lower ranked person; 90% is the highest chance you can have, and doesn't guarantee success.

ah, thanks... well still, there are other posts floating around about the slight assistance for lower ranked player planets.