I seem to recall, from maybe the mid 1960's, that DC had a league of like 'second rankers' who, for one reason or another, didn't quite qualify to be in The League of Super Heroes.
Sadly I can't remember the name of this band, they sort of hung around waiting until there was no genuine League members available for an emergency situation and then they sprung into action.
One that I recall was some guy who had really good and very strong telekinetic powers, however he wasn't given permission to use his skills by the League because they'd learned that, every time he used his superpower, it took a day off his life.
He hung around with the 'also-rans' and waited for a time when he'd really be needed. The League and the second division (wish I could remember their name!) members all really respected this guy as a true hero because he was prepared to sacrifice so much to help others.
I think, IIRC, DC only ran comics about these people for a few months.