[solops]

We would all like to know what kind of players are signed up for a game so that gross inequities are avoided and so that you can get the competitive level you desire. A Ratings system could promote increased participation as well, or maybe not....

I contend that any system you improvise will affect the game community detrimentally. Years ago I played a PBM (US snail mail) game called Nuclear Destruction. I was good, one of the 10 best in the world according to the Ratings system in place, which involved points for winning, ties, + points for those dead ahead of you and - points for those who survived you). But what happened was that people began playing the game for points, not necessarily to win. The better players also found themselves targetted for early elimination by those hoping to advance themselves. This is not an environment I would care to be in.