Connection first, then skill is a good way to do it. It is certainly better than what we have now, but I just cannot sympathise with you 'sucky players'. Back when I was a greenhorn, I got my ass kicked almost 24/7 by more skilled players. I just learned to get better at the game. I learned which weapons were good and I saw how the more skilled players played and I learned from them. To me, matching players into skill tiers is just a way of coddling the weaker players. Unless they play stronger opponents, they won't get better. IMHO matching everyone with everyone else based on connection is the right way to do it. Skill brackets should be reserved for ranked playlists and sweats. Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.