You can replicate that with ranked, because you match people of similar skill levels. SF6 has you go from rookie to diamond which is matched with people of similar skill levels, usually within ±1 rank so a gold 2 Vs a gold 3. Then when you get to diamond there is a small chance to match against a Master rank and you get higher reward for beating them(up to 250lp). Then when you have climbed to the top of Diamond 5, you move to master rank. In Master you then switch to a proper elo system.
This removes the vast majority of people getting absolutely stomped on by people who have 1000+ hours when you have 10. You still have to put in time and effort if you want to get better like you did as a kid, but you’re more likely to get fun and closer matches.
You can replicate that with ranked, because you match people of similar skill levels. SF6 has you go from rookie to diamond which is matched with people of similar skill levels, usually within ±1 rank so a gold 2 Vs a gold 3. Then when you get to diamond there is a small chance to match against a Master rank and you get higher reward for beating them(up to 250lp). Then when you have climbed to the top of Diamond 5, you move to master rank. In Master you then switch to a proper elo system.
This removes the vast majority of people getting absolutely stomped on by people who have 1000+ hours when you have 10. You still have to put in time and effort if you want to get better like you did as a kid, but you’re more likely to get fun and closer matches.