You are looking at the history of chess from a unique facet of analysis. Keep in mind that the USSR for example implimented a type of Title system (category 1 players etc) before chess federations began using numerical rating systems centered on the Harkness and Elo system we know today. Best of luck on your further exploration.
Sources: books by Kotov among others
Two Eras of Chess
1. without ratings
2. with ratings
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I always make the right move but not always at
the right time