i think we should address the atcual problem, where players lower their ratings, so they can sim with more players.
Lets say player xx has a rating of 1000. he wins 5 games straight, and increase to... 1500.
At 1000, theres probably 4 players, 2 above, 2 below ready to sim at any one time.
At 1500, theres probably 2 players ready to sim, and they are probably below him.
By going so high in ranking, you have less possible players to sim, slowing down your ladder progression, and probably will gain less points due to being the higher rating.
Agreed?
The biggest problem, imo, is that you have less players to sim with. You then get less points in a week, not because you are bad, but because no one wants to sim with you, or cant sim. Is it fair to limit strong player's options, just cos they are good? Possibly, it lets us newbies catch up.
But then, its not fun to have an opportunity cost just because you are good and keep winning.
Possible solution:
I noted we are now all starting with 600 points. So, if you lose too many games, you pretty much can't come back, where as last time, you have nothing to lose by simming someone if your score wont get you any gold currently. Makes players more cautious and less sims may be resulted. (not as cool, imo, but heh.)
So, the solution is based on the recent change.
The basic idea is that your ladder score is seperate with your ranking score. If you win, you get [(Loser's Ladder score)/50+75], and lose [(Winner's Ladder score)/50+65] worth in ladder points.
(formula is an example only, not atcually calculated. It is made, so total ladder score increases over time, as you would win more, and lose less.)
Your ratings will go up or down as normal.
Ladder ratings are reset every wed. Ratings, you keep.
With this, ratings atcually show the player's skill, with good ones keep incresing up and up. Older more experienced players will have tons of ratings for example. But it doesnt effect your ladder.
It should be noted, ratings should change significantly less with this system.
Imo, ratings should rate the player, from the time they started. Ladder points is just to count this week's performance. Dont mix em, no problems.