Over a year ago, there was a period of time where highly ranked players would drop by for one game on the Matchmaking Ladder to re-cement their position display, without then going on to play more games. This behaviour led to a phenomenon where the most active players vying for advancement would fight amongst themselves indefinitely without the opportunity to climb, because they were merely passing rating back and forth despite any skill growth gained from the sessions.
At the time, I wanted to imagine a change that would solve this problem and incentize more activity. After much consideration, this is my suggestion:
Instead of gaining 1 month of visibility per game played: Winning a game nets the player 1 additional day of ladder visibility, and losing nets 2 additional days (a consolation boon). The period of visibility on the ladder is capped to 15 days banked. (Numbers provided are 'feel based' and could be changed to address arising concerns)
With this system, title holders are incentivized to risk their heavily banked rating on staying visible. The competing bracket then either gain a chance at those spoils or are advanced by default of inactivity on the ladder parking player's part.
As a natural side effect, the Matchmaking Ladder would have much greater temporal accuracy and provide a better read of who's active and up and coming.
Any thoughts or context I'm missing with this idea?