Greetings.
Not sure if this was attempted before or if there is interest. Just thought I'd throw it out there.
While I certainly understand more excitement comes from the "UT professionals" games where players are rated in the higher tiers, why not reward the lower tiered players with more meaningful games. At the very least, make the development games worth more than what they are currently rated.
I say this only because I've heard on numerous occasions that players claim:
1) "Oh, it's just a development game. I don't care if we win or lose."
2) "It's just a development game, who cares."
3) "I only play regular games."
4) Etc.
The games, I am sure, will have its entertainment value as you'll more than likely witness failed boosts and untimely dodges to the other side of the spectrum of clutchest of kills/seals/covers. It's only fair to provide this as an option to the lower skilled players, as they too take time out of their daily lives to keep this game alive. Some probably pug more often than the heavy-hitters that show up only come tournament time...
Additionally, if a player argues the point that:
1) "Because I don't want to play 10 maps (come finals time)."
To be fair, you draft a team that usually fields at least 5
quality starters. Theoretically, those are 5 options where a team can select who to play in the development game and mix and match the styles to maximize the potential.
When it's all said and done though, this suggestion may have come 5 years too late. Although, better late than never.