Something to add to the list of ideas on how to solve the leader problem.
Have a two to five minute organizational phase at the start of a skirmish. No one can leave the spawn area during it. Everyone logs in as privates. Let people who want to be Officers, NCO's, and flag bearers put themselves in nomination. Then everyone votes. Could make vote for each open office or just prioritize highest to lowest with highest getting Officer slots, next NCO's, etc. Then at the end of the time period have the game change the people selected to the proper uniform. Make it happen as efficiently and as fast as possible since it will occur every new round.
This should give the edge to those in companies since they know who they are suppose to vote for. But it also allows others to get a chance especially if they get some recognition as people who know what they are doing. And, it is very historic since most officers below Generals were elected by their companies.
(I included flag bearer because I've noticed sometimes the game starts with no one volunteering since it tends to be a very short job. This way you always will have a flag bearer at start.)