17 Apr '21 08:42>
@vespin saidGood to see some sensible debate taking place in this forum.
That was the best way of explaining it in my opinion. In my case I have been on about 12 years. I know 98% of all the clan members, and I know all the leaders.
In some cases I know some a little better then others. Rusty is also correct that some things that have been going on can only be spoken about in a PM. Although I have no idea what he may be talking about, and I a ...[text shortened]... an be used as a tool, but a great way to make a final choice on a match. But still not a bad tool.
Regarding your comments about knowing who matches well against who,that is fair enough but don't you think it becomes a bit boring that way?
I used to actively seek out new clans or clans with new players just to add some variety to the contests.That also takes time of course.Sadly players in these categories were few and far between.I don't expect it has improved over the last five years or so but maybe you know different?
I agree ratings aren't the best guide to a players ability but that's all we have to go on without delving into a players win percentage,timeout wins etc which is far too time consuming.
You could say playing in any team sport,you come across the same players repeatedly,even in OTB chess but I don't think it's a fair comparison to correspondence chess which, in effect this site is.On a field of play,such as crown green bowls which I play,any player ,no matter how good ,can have an off day.
I'm not good enough for it to make a difference!!