Which elite rank could be quicker to get to?

Haven't played in four ish years and recently transferred my old Xbox account to PC to try Odyssey. I'd played for about three years beforehand, and I'm in need of a catch up on the economy.

I'm completely new to exobio and mercenary ranks ofc, but I'm really hoping to speedrun towards an elite rank and unlock Jameson.

Current ranks Combat - Competent (approx 50%) Trade - Tycoon (10%, thanks initial deep core mine rush) Exploration - Pioneer (approx 40%)

Now, I find exploration itself a bit boring without a specific route in mind, and have made the pilgrimage to Colonia once. But most of my playtime has been spent either pirating LTDs or running missions.

Is scout hunting still the "fast track" to combat elite? Is piracy still fun and viable? Will having a crack at some exobiology boost my exploration rank as well?