I'd guess there is some proportionality. If 5% (for argument) of each dan make it to each next dan, then an overall increase in numbers should result in a proportional increase at all dan levels over time.Agree, but there is a significant drop-off between 1st & 2nd in any style I can think of so it would not stay proportional. TKD in particular skews the numbers. If the number at all ranks do not increase I agree that would indicate decline.