I was hero in about 50 hours, I think, with stuff like bash/trip defenses, some weapons, all whip skills and something else mastered, inducted into tribunal, and still I at some points felt like my ranking isn't leading anywhere. It's not about *where* you rank as much as about *how* you do it. Try to think, do not put up with groups without a tank. Also arial sword spec is atm probably the easiest class to hero fast, excluding perhaps healers. Anyways, some ranking pointers for you:
1) Try to rank on vulns, more damage easily.
2) Have a good tank, skill practice helps on tanking.
3) An area with 50 easy to kill mobs that give 200/pop is better than 5 hard ass mobs for 1k exp/pop.
4) If you want to rank fast, it's really all about efficiency in attacking, moving around so forth. Cut the crap and get to action. The best way to spoil ranking is to decide to go practice haggle and walk from Akan to Galadon. During your walk probably half of your group quits or dies or something.
5) Try new places for ranking, you might find good places.