Playtesting is the judge. . .

In a more recent gaming experience with d20'ers and those who prefer defensive adjustments, I have discovered that the following formula actually works best:

Attacker's attack rank within one rank of the Defender's defense rank..... NO ADJUSTMENT.

Attacker's attack rank 2 less than the defender's defense rank.........-2 column shifts.

Attacker's attack rank 3 less than the defender's defense rank..........-4 column shifts.

Attacker's attack rank 4 or worse ranks less less than the defender's defense rank..............................-6
column shifts.

The -2, -4, and -6 penalties replace the -1, -3, and -5 penalties.

The OGL player's made a strong case that a Typical attacker should take at least a minus 2 penalty when attacking a defender with Excellent agility.
Additional playtesting results supported this decision.

It is reasonable that whan a character with a total attack rank of Incredible is battling a defender with
Montrous defensive prowess, that he takes a -2CS to his attack FEAT, thereby dropping his chance to Excellent.

However, we maintain the original idea that an attacker whose ability is within one rank of the the defender's defensive abiltity maintains his rank.