What strikes me is the attitude that is displayed here in the forum.
Both the “good” players (from Diamond upwards) and the “average” players report frustrating matches.
The difference is that most good players optimize their own performance and really rarely criticize their teams and the matchmaker, even if there is often reason to do so.
The bad to mediocre players, however, see the problems almost exclusively in external factors. This makes sense, since they basically feel helpless, but what’s the reason for that? They don’t (yet) have the skills to react confidently or reliably to different situations. Therefore, it seems to them as if only external circumstances are responsible for their failure. Which is kinda… true, as there is a lack of awareness and willingness to improve.
Honestly, that counts as a metaphor even outside of Overwatch.
And even when bad players improve for a period of time, they expect immediate and lasting validation of their success. When this does not happen, they see it as evidence of a conspiracy and GIVE UP. In this phase, the players throw consciously or unconsciously (tilting) and drop back to their old SR range and feel confirmed that there is an evil force pushing them back. I KNOW how that feels, because I once was like that, too.
What has really happened here is that the games have become harder because the higher-ranking players have better mechanics and are more likely to punish mistakes. In return, they use tricks and gimmicks that you have to get used to. Therefore, it is absolutely normal to experience greater fluctuations until you have adapted to this way of playing. This is called training.
Climbing more than 300 SR makes games significantly more difficult, when you play at your current skillcap, so you shouldn’t be surprised that the games become more sweatier for you.
I think this is what separates successful and self-satisfied people from unhappy and less successful people: personal responsibility and an ambitious, stable and optimistic attitude. Professionals don’t get rattled that easily.
And I’m not so sure about that, you’ve had some great posts here as well. I appreciate how passionate you are for the game, and that your goal is to improve the landscape rather than to argue. Lead by example.