I think many of you are missing the point. I can lock people out too, I hold a top 5 spot right now and rarely dip below #2. I have no trouble keeping #1 for my payout with the occasional snipe getting in the way. People are struggling to beat my team (I can tell because I'm unable to attack because I'm engaged and don't lose my spot).
I think the system for Arena ranking is poorly conceived and could be done better and I want to encourage new ideas. It is not competitive or fair. I'm not complaining because I can't get or keep #1, I'm complaining because I don't like it. Even the guy with 91 7* characters who I fight constantly for #1 can't keep it.