As an answer to the most recent matchmaking update topic:
Skill-based matches were widely requested due to the amount of uneven and one-sided games, which created an inconsistent and unacceptable experience that was never present on the old games, even if we were talking about Social Games. In fact, parameteres such as Skill Connection preferences were actually a thing you could do to improve the balance there in favour of a more enjoyable match. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Composer is the best and favourite way to play for newcomers, as well as veterans due to the advantages over gametypes and games it provides, which means that
some sort of balance was needed. So, this news couldn't be better! It's finally being addressed at some point and I'm sure a wide amount of players were begging for that.
However, I'd like to
suggest making it optional, so you can prioritize either fast matches or similar skill. In addition,
Ranked probably needs a rework in terms of skill matching too and games offerings (it's
highly limited to Halo 3, and playlists matching is horrendous). These can be useful options to improve that part of Matchmaking:
"How to recreate Ranked". The best one is probably mixing Social with Ranked; by that way you fix 2 things in 1 (population and balance), so I suggest to take it into account.
On the other hand, I must disagree with the addition of the
AR to H2A Slayer. First of all, while a secondary weapon was requested for all gametypes
(H2A Objective is still filled with BR only starts for some unknown reason), that wasn't addressed but instead the default Slayer mode was changed. Secondly, but not less important, there's the fact that we shouldn't forget that this game is a remaster and a way to play H2 in a modern, fixed and enhanced way, so
removing options regarding dual-wielding is definitely not the right decision. This feature made H2C pretty unique and enjoyable for some people, and encouraged coordination and testing different combinations. It's clear that this game is getting even further from the old experience (I recommend reading these suggestions to shape it better:
"Suggestions and improvements for H2A"). So, please return the SMG or at least the Pistol to the secondary slot. Remember that the Assault Rifle is already in the map and shouldn't even be there, but it's tolerated as it is treated like a director's cut.
Aside from that, I would love the
8v8 Snipers and
Rumble Pit playlist, and the
size selection suggestion that a player above stated will undoubtedly improve population and variety.