I think Empoleon is deserving a small rise to A rank. Specifically, It's a fairly versatile Pokemon that can fit on many teams via its means of serving as a great special wall, utility (in hazard control getting both Defog and rocks, while also resisting rocks) , or a offensive set. All to pretty good success. I think it pulls it's weight in each of these roles.
Offensive Empo serves as a great way to beat threats you normally wouldn't otherwise thanks to Empo's great power and bulk.
vs
252+ Atk Mega Swampert Earthquake vs. 212 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Empoleon: 222-262 (61.3 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Meanwhile;
252+ SpA Empoleon Grass Knot (100 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Swampert: 396-468 (116.1 - 137.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Means Empo is a valid switch in when it sets up rain and can RK easily.
vs
252 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 212 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Empoleon: 238-281 (65.7 - 77.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
^ Empoleon is also a really good switch in if your mon currently out on the field is weak to ice as Empo takes nothing from ice attacks.
Meanwhile;
252+ SpA Empoleon Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mamoswine: 390-462 (108 - 127.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
vs
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 212 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Empoleon: 125-148 (34.5 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Empoleon Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 368-434 (122.2 - 144.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
vs
252 Atk Choice Band Krookodile Earthquake vs. 212 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Empoleon: 253-298 (69.8 - 82.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Bad set I know but just showing the overall power.
252+ SpA Empoleon Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Krookodile: 344-408 (103.9 - 123.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
That's some Pokemon in subranks higher than Empo that the penguin can reliably 1v1 as long as you aren't careless.. Lol.
It's also able to beat Sylveon 1v1 with stab flash cannon, able to phase out a subDD Gyarados while taking nothing of its attacks short of multiple DD's, and can dent many threats on switch in with the right play. I think it's to versatile a mon to be sitting down in the subranks of A-.