I knew it! Bungie introduced skill based matchmaking without telling us over the holidays. I wasn't some crazy conspiracy theorist after all. Did they think players wouldn't notice? Let me be straight, [i]I literally cannot stand the new matchmaking system[/i]. Every match is a stressful nightmare to the point where I no longer find the Crucible enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, a sweaty game now and then is fun; but when every single game is sweaty, it makes the Crucible feel like a chore. I want to hop in and play[i] for fun[/i] [i]to[/i] [i]relax[/i]. I spend hours every week studying for my PhD and use the Crucible to chill out in the evening; you know, do a few bounties and play some Control. In fact, a good case could be made that the Crucible is now more unbalanced than ever before as a consequence. Previously, players would encounter Guardians from across the skill spectrum; some would be better, some worse, some the same skill level as you (giving everyone the opportunity to have fun, but also to improve). Now I find myself consistently matched into losing teams against high skill players (or at least that's how it always feels from my perspective). It's just not fun; it doesn't feel right any more. Bungie should prioritise connection over skill imho. Not only does the SBMM take ages to find a game, match you half through a game into the struggling team, and make every game a stressful experience;[i] it also increases the lag problems in the Crucible[/i]. It was a strange move by Bungie. I honestly don't think I'll go back into the Crucible in its current state :-( .