Re: 6 of my last 8 games in ranked (gold league) against taco or UL
The ranking definitely needs to improve and/or better rewards if you face significantly higher ranked players. Should probably have an option to check off if you are OK facing significantly higher ranked players or else you are OK to wait in queue longer.
I have a theory about Casual mode. I suspect that both players are not playing Casual mode (otherwise why would low rank players concede against higher level ranked players they face), meaning one can be playing Ranked while one is playing Casual mode. I also suspect Casual mode lifts the normal ranking rules on the player looking for a match. For example, if Ranked match rules are they immediately search for an opponent +/- 5 levels, I think Casual does away with that and just selects the first opponent that comes along on the opposing side.
If my hypothesis for Casual mode is true, it's doing no favours for the match ranking of Ranked mode.
BPRD