"That would put him ahead of the Apostles and appear to indicate more grace."
Eastern Christianity wouldn't try to quantify grace or the grace which is "in" someone, at least as a general matter. Grace, or the uncreated energies of God, has a different meaning in the East than in the West.
Yes, I think I remember Joe telling me that Catholics do believe that some are graced more than others (but that all are graced sufficiently for ultimate salvation). So, then would you say that a Bishop is not graced more than a member of the laity? What is your view on the concept of "spiritual gifts"?