I don't really see why the Sign was removed. It has more flaws than it does good. I see what Bigfoot was saying, nicely explained and does help. But you can't reason that people only become staff to become "popular". Which you said is the reason it was removed. Not only does it make quick in-game support more of a hassle, it also doesn't show recognition for the people volunteering their time for the server. Players won't know who's staff anymore either. All in all I think it complicates things more than it helps.