@Deicide:
Because that's the whole point about making separate categories for the rankings. There are two categories of interest in this discussion: Raw Strength and Combat Techniques. Franky wins over Sanji (in my opinion) in the first, but Sanji owns Franky in the second.
Also, people are reacting as if I were saying that Sanji is a weakling. I've never said that, I only put him behind Franky in raw strength. That's not a statement that Sanji is weak.
Let's put this way: if there's a huge block of granite that needs to be lifted with care (not broken, not thrown around), Franky would be able to lift it easier than Sanji. That's what the raw strength category is all about.
Now, if there's a fighter guy with huge stamina or a building that needs to be destroyed, Sanji would be able to quickly cause more damage than Franky, because that's what the combat technique category is all about.
Thanks for answering my question but, it's still not clear to me. Basically, you are saying that "lifting things with care" is what you mean by "raw strength"? Am I getting this right?
edit: Sorry. I only read your answer to my post, not your posts in reply to the others. And I agree with the majority (I think) that you need to clearly define what you mean by "raw strength". It really came across as vague and sometimes paradoxical. But, anyways, I don't want to prolong this "debate" by you having to answer my questions so I think let's just stop it here.
Oh! I haven't posted my rankings yet. And this is my opinion based on what I have seen so far on the manga (Chapter 509 + unscanlated Chapter 510).
Luffy
"He needs to be the strongest in order to protect his nakama" or something like that, he said it before, in Enies Lobby, I think.
Zoro>=Sanji
There always seem to be a competition between the two of them, and I think Zoro thinks of Sanji as his equal or at least has a reliable strength on par with his.
Franky>=Robin
Franky, just slightly above her. We cannot undermine Robin because she has a DF ability. The fact that she has a DF and is very intelligent should make her above the others in strength. What I mean is, because she is intelligent, she can think of ways to improve the use of her DF, making her stronger. But, so far, I haven't seen much improvement on her DF abilities.
Brook>=Chopper
I really didn't know where to put Brook, actually. But, based on what I have seen so far, he is reliable in combat (just like the others now) and can fight a major battle. And I think Chopper is becoming more of a mascot than a fighter. He hasn't been showing his full capabilities lately.
Nami>=Usopp
I'm really impressed with the both of them right now. They are now actually showing courage in fighting (in the latest chapters) and I'm happy about that.