Roger and Whitebeard are totally considered foes in the story, the whole reason why WB got his potrayal is because he was the only man could face the PK on equal term
Rocks is clearly supposed to be something special.
He is a D.
Strong hints that he is Teach's father.
Talking about his subordinates, even if they weren't all in their prime yet, just compare his crew to Kaido and BM crews. The stronger you are, the sronger your crew is in the story, which is why Roger had people like Ray and Gaban as subordinates. I've had this stance on Rocks way before today