It appears that the bench press still retains importance as a barometer of strength among novice and competitive athletes. That's nice.
Here is an accurate and valid way to decide "who's strong and who's not."
Bench press definition: You're in the gym and you're wearing clothes that you put on by yourself and that would not seem too out of place (people would stare but they wouldn't start laughing) if you left the gym and went to Piggy Wiggly or Safeway or Food King, etc. You are laying on the bench press. You get a "lift off" from a friend. You lower the bar, touch your chest and press the bar until both arms are locked. Your friend can help you return the bar to the rack if you want him to help.
Level 1- You can bench press your body weight. What that really means: You workout and are in good shape.
Level 2- You can bench press double (2x) your body weight. What that really means: You are a phenomenal bench presser and are considered extremely strong among your friends. People who do not know you have heard about your bench pressing strength.
Level 3- You can bench press three (3) times your body weight. What that really means: You are one of the strongest men in the world based on a "pound for pound" scenario, when it comes to the bench press. People ask for your autograph frequently. You give seminars on bench pressing and actually make money because of how strong you are.
