Ok, i though issues like this might arise since Mal refused to change the names of the ranks even though we changed what the ranks actually mean.
Basically, an elder back then is the same thing as a veteran now, you get that rank when you have been in the guild a while.
Reapers are pretty much equal to veterans but they are active in guild activities such as pvp, raids, etc...
Elders are now more along the lines of sub-officers, if there are no top advisor on, then people who need help or something go to an elder. people are promoted to elder because we, the top advisors, and mal, notice that they are active, mature, and knowledgeable.
you not having the rank elder anymore does not mean that you got demoted, more along the lines of the current people having the rank got promoted.
and honestly, making an account on the forums just to ask for the rank, in my personal opinion, does not show the level of maturity we are looking for in an elder, but maybe you will prove me wrong.