History Lesson: In Halo 3, Ranked Big Team Battle and Squad Battle were two of the most competitive default playlists. 50 high games, while hard to find, comprised to top-tier players, as well as MLG pros.
Today: Matchmaking BTB has devolved to a cesspool of below average high ranked players looking to stat on guests and unorganized randoms. Parties of these players often keep randoms in their lobby to ensure they don’t match competition. Competitive BTB has been pushed out of matchmaking and into customs thanks to the site http://bigteambattle.net where a league and ladder play has started.
While ranked Halo took a turn for the worst with the removal of 1-50 and Arena, the BTB community has definitely been hit the hardest. Even as a competitive MLG player, I have a love for the “classic” feel of an 8v8 game with vehicles and great competition. A good number of people feel this sentiment as expressed by the large number of registered players on btb.net as well as partner sites for EU players.
By having Ranked BTB released with the original list of playlists, 343 would set a precedent for the rest of their games. BTB is a staple of the Halo franchise which appeals to many bases, while making it ranked appeals to those who have remained loyal to the series. Any true halo fan, casual or competitive, would support a system which both reflects skill and ensures fair matches.