Like all servers things come and go especially with people. We tend to have regulars that have been around for a few years. Things are quiet right now, I think a lot of our users are waiting on the next Tekkit.
To move up the 'ranks' just join, be active, be creative and help others. The admins watch and will bump people up when good behaviors show to be a trend, not just a push for rank. Asking for Mod/Ops is a negative that makes the decision take a LOT longer.