Is there a module out there that eases the process of adding new user groups, especially as regards the hierarchal position of them? Here is my problem:

I am building a rather ambitious news-oriented website for a .org. The head of the .org has identified a need for more than the three default access groups, to facilitate editors and author's submissions. Some modules grant access based upon position in the hierarchy of groups, using that pull-down highlighting thingy. I have found that this makes a lot more work in adding new groups and access rights. Does anyone have a more effective solution, perhaps with a weighting feature?

Thanks.