I know adults who boost their ego with lootboxes. Beating the peasants by spending money that others use for groceries is how they feel superior.

Battle maps!

You can also overdo that. Stay healthy and don’t stress your body too much. Slow and steady wins the race.

If you want to figure out how good you are and enjoy a challenge you play ranked. If the ranked system is good you should rarely or never play with teammates less knowledgeable and less skilled than you.

I don’t think we need a higher barrier of entry for ranked. Just accept that the skill variance happens on both sides and focus on your own game. If you can mentor that is nice and helpful if done right.