1. Well I don't like to jump into conclusions that Katea was number 32 either with no solid proof she WAS within the manga's range (I know... databooks' info weren't very convincing this time). I just tried pop up other sources to make us have some knowledge and/or other possibilites she could have been placed at rank 32, nothing more (though I couldn't help it but rely on them since they where in Japanase). but yes, nowhere inside the manga where mentioned her exact position, not even in obscure pages (mind you). Anyways, we are trying to only speculate here... which it makes them worth discussing too :D
2. My point exactly ;) I believe the org members just leave there positions vacant until someone stronger takes its position; and as you've mentioned it, I guess the only exception came when Rafaela replaced Noel being promoted to number 5.
3. Thanks!! owe you one. Jeez, never thought MAL worked the same way other forums had :p