@reconzero
For me and many, ranked feels more rewarding because you’re actively working towards unlocking a rank level, so yes ranked does give out points (or rewards) which relates to how much you sweat. Diamond players in Diamond lobbies are sweating more than Gold Players playing in Gold lobbies, and the rewards (unlocking a higher rank) is thus greater than unlocking a lower rank.
I just think the game plays way differently at higher MMR (make one mistake and you get erased). I honestly don’t want my public games to feel as stressful as my ranked Diamond/Masters ranked games. I do think there should be a “casual” or “quick play” mode that offers an experience different than tournament-level play.
I’ve been both: the under average player playing in loose MMR lobbies (Season 1-3), and I’ve been the above average player playing in tighter MMR lobbies. The former was far less stressful than the latter, AND I had better success (win ratios), lol.
I’m ok with tighter matchmaking in pubs and everyone playing their doppelgänger and everyone breaking even with regards to outcomes (wins), but there needs to be a reward for the people demonstrating higher proficiency and playing in stressful “top bucket” lobbies— and yes, I’m talking about rewards greater than the experience of the gameplay itself.
