I enjoy playing games online, especially games such as Forza Motorsport 2, Pro Evo 6 and Fifa 2007.  There is only one slight problem with online play, and its the ranking system.

It is best if I explain, lets say I play a football game on Xbox Live.  When you play a ranked match you increase your online ranking if you win, and loose points and online ranking when you loose. The problem is lets say I am a beginner, and the person that I play against is a pro.  The person that I play against selects Brazil, but I choose Andora.  Lets say the score is 7-0 to Brazil, he wins some points and I loose some.

But, how about a less is more approach to the ranking system, were you are rewarded for choosing the weaker football team, racing car, or boxer.

Same scenario, the  top ranking player selects Brazil and I as a beginner choose Andora, by some miracle I win the game 4-0,then in this scenario I would gain may points, where as the pro, player would loose a lot of points.

Then if the roles are reversed, the pro player plays as a League Two side, and I as beginner select a premiership team, and he beats me.  Then I loose points and the pro gains them, and more likly much more points by being weaker team..

I believe that this will be an ideal solution, that will make the popular online games more competitive and challenging.  Plus you will feel much more rewarded, plus this also adds variety to online play, which sadly all but to often can feel all to repititive.