The mod I have created always seems to reset my level to level1 and is hence locking out weapon and perk choices.

How do I run the mod on an unranked server?

I have my own folder in Mods called mymod, and in there I have all the gscs (don't want to make an iwd as I do not want the client to get my code).

My target line is:
"C:\Program Files\Activision\Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare\iw3mp.exe" +set dedicated 0 +developer 0 +set fs_game "mods/mymod" + exec "server.cfg" +map_rotate

I don't know if the recent patches fixed this issue or not - I personally have not had this happen to any of the mods we have been running.

Here is a good post all about this topic with some reputable people so I think therein lies your answer.

Hope this helps.

Rank Resetting Post on IWnation