I think that the article's current appeal to outside rankings is far better than the previous statement of fact that Yale is "one of the most prestigious universities in the world".  However, as a Yalie, I am worried that this is merely a product of Yale's inferiority complex.  The Harvard article backs up its claims of prominence and prestige by noting its vast resources and award-winning faculty, not by appealing to college ranking guides.  I see no reason why the Yale article can't do the same.