I remember that, and it wasn't fun. But surely there is some way to match GP better within their updated algorithm? Maybe not. When I'm facing someone top-loaded like myself with this large GP disparity it's a much different story than if the roster is more spread out, so I agree GP shouldn't be the only consideration. It even feels like the issue has a lot to do with being at the bottom end of the spectrum for division 1.
I still feel like lower level character development is not the way to go and the dude who said "Git more GLs" is on the money. Sure a more balanced roster would help but it's not doing anything against JML in 3v3.
Even though the goal is obviously to score as highly as you can using one-shot battles, it just doesn't always work out that way and that is as much of a part of the game as anything else. It happens, and it's supposed to happen. It's one of the dynamics of GA that makes it interesting. Just because your chances of success diminish with every loss doesn't mean you can't inflict that same predicament on your opponent.
I believe you're right that it will get better with a relic SLKR but the amount of GP bloat that comes before seems like a major hindrance here.