Fleet System

Before I start, no I don't mean having fleets of multiple ships with your friends in one server; that'd just be dominating a server and isn't in line with Rare's vision of the game where each new encounter is unique and exciting (will they help or attack?). By Fleet System I kinda mean it like clans, where you can form/join clans, or even just preset factions, and compete against other clans through leaderboards: Top clan for earning gold; most chickens sold; furthest distance sailed; and so on (perhaps not "most ships sunk" because that would just encourage the PvP so many don't like). It would give players another purpose and something to compete over and add different ways to earn some loot and show off, since cosmetics are everything in SoT.
Alternatively, you could also have these for the current companies; which company can make the most gold; travel the most; sink the least; complete the most voyages etc.
A suggestion on how to expand the game and keep people engaged through competition.