I think whichever way you do it youll get complaints. If someone worked really hard on their roster and was only putting resources into things, managing them carefully. He has put a lot of thought into his roster. why should he have to go up against someone who didnt put up as much effort, but simply had the game longer and so has much more resources (because that person will have similar gear 12, but lots more lower down).
I do understand that people made decisions, only to be told of consequences after the fact can be frustrating though. but if my opponent deliberately ignored mods, why should he be paired with other who ignored mods? Mine arent godlike, but my opponent has a leia with 226 speed as his fastest toon. hes about 2.7 mil gp. So yes, id expect him to be paired poorly because they havent bothered to work on their roster