Instead of having one ladder for everyone, the ladder could be split into divisions. If there were 5 divisions, we could use a system like I was talking about in the czm thread (where there are beginner, intermediate and expert settings). Division 5 would be played with beginner settings (and could possibly be free to play), division 4 with intermediate, and divisions 3-1 with expert. Your rank on the ladder also determines your 'skill-level' on pubs, and your exact division and rank could be displayed in-game.

A system like this would give people ample time to learn how to play the game. They wouldn't have to immediately play against the best players, or at the most difficult level. They could enjoy working their way up the ladders and through the divisions.

When there are only pubs, the only thing to play for is pub-glory. Most people are unaware of the various third-party leagues, ladders and tournaments. Even if the QL page provided information and links to those applications, it still means players need to take extra steps (to jump through hoops, as the expression goes). Every extra account they have to make, and every additional website they need to use, effectively deters them from participation.

Take a game like Mario Kart 64... you don't start out at 150cc and you don't start racing on the Rainbow Road. And you certainly don't need to visit a third-party to work your way through the divisions. Why should multiplayer games be any different?

And let's say, the ladders do not have to be structured like... you're ranked 100 and then you beat 95 and are then ranked 95. It could be a point-system, where anyone you play gives you points. If you lose, you get 1 point, if you win, you get 3 points. And if you play against people in higher-divisions, you get more points for both winning and losing.

With a system like that, where points are counted for every game you play, the game would still be very free. Meaning, instead of having to schedule ladder-matches, points are tabulated on every pub game or game of any kind you play.

That's how the game should be, instead of random, chaotic, pointless pub matches. The game should be to work your way up to the Star Cup and to 150cc. Imagine if Mario Kart was like Quake... you just played random maps against random opponents. The game would suck.