They are pretty straightforward with contracting levels...production = higher levels.Indeed - though I like Penn Mutual too. But I got a mentor arrangement at Ohio that will likely have me sending more business there. Though the particulars of the arrangement appear to be getting changed on me which could change my attitude toward them.
You'll normally start at 4 but an ON rep can start you higher. You'll still need to hit the numbers though or they'll move you down. They'll also retro you up as you hit new levels which is nice.
I like ON but dislike the recent press. Penn is decent but still has some wacky regional rules (which can be annoying if you work multiple states).
As you know, there is no perfect carrier but if you ever want some info from a disinterested 3rd party, feel free to PM me.