@MandatoryIDtag
the only difference I can think of is how much RP is needed to go from plat II to Pred. as opposed to going from bronze to pred. The final amount is the same, but starting from 6000RP and going to 15000+ (i think?) is definitely shorter, which once again favors ex preds.
Again, the mistake I keep making is thinking that ranked is competitive at all. Sure there are good and great players, but it is not competitive. It is a casual game, made for the casual player --even ranked.
I guess I have to stop thinking of Apex as a skill based, competitive game after all.