Because of several problems in the matchmaking and leveling system, there really needs to be a way to use your low rank ships in higher rank battles effectively.
I propose that after a ship is fully maxed with synergy, that if the player gains 500,000 synergy with it that they can “prestige” the ship and unlock a rank ring like the NY18 has. It should give small boosts to stats like normal higher rank ships, and add slots as needed. It should also allow the ship to be used in any rank freely and give 20% free synergy instead of 5%.