Hi Grad,I think to be honest it's best someone who's been in MC a lot longer than me answers this for you.From my point of view, your rating does affect salary potential at any level - the higher the rating, the more positive argument you have for higher salaries when going for promotions. I have always done well at these points partly due to the high performance grades backing me up.As to how long you have to stay on a role - well it all cones down to what is available/when/suitability but a high performer can move within 1-2 yrs in my experience. However, happy to be corrected by one of the more experienced guys.Rgds