Even if it's the train approaching

But seriously, maybe I just don't get the idea. Either you get 500 exp on ranking mob (no risk involved) or 1k exp on tough retrieval (risking loot & con), but getting fun in the process, of course So if you need exp - you go kill some mobs, if you need fun/edges - you go kill some cabal defenders.

You also have the statistics available, see how often tough level-sitting cabal mid-rankers are up for retrieval. People like Soliah, Niji, Fessara or Raeth. Niji even killed himself over mobs to avoid ranking up, I'm sure he did not enjoy retrieval exp