The new BR system is a step in the right direction and a massive improvement over the “preferred map” system, but it still has its issues.
I am not talking about minor balancing issues. Such as what weapons deserve to be in what rating. That sort of balancing is part statistical, part subjective and can be tweaked over time as game play and practical use proves where they belong.
The primary issue is with how they decided to handle ques for BR 3 players. Putting them at either an advantage over BRs 1-2, or at a massive disadvantage against BRs 4-5.
This would result in many players deserting from battles where they are up against superior weaponry, seeking instead for more even or advantageous battles. (I also argue that BR 3 vs BR 5 is more unfair than BR 1 vs BR 3, but I will get back to that later. )
I think the solution is simple, split the player base into two ques:
1, 2, and 3
4 and 5
Rather than call them “battle ratings” they should instead call them something like “Standard” and “Elite” ques. While us veteran players will know what the ques actually are, many players will feel compelled to grind and sweat it out to play in the Elites. While everyone else can enjoy “standard.”
Now, as for why I think this is more fair;
While there is a massive difference in weaponry and equipment between teir 1 and tier 5…there is not that massive of a difference between tiers 1 and 3 or between 3 and 5. The weapons and equipment available to those tiers are close enough to be a fair match.
What is far more problematic is not the weaponry, but the vehicles. Tier 3 tanks are absolutely worthless against tier 5 tanks. They can not pen their armor and get one shot in return. They are also too slow to pull off a flank without being destroyed by infantry.
Tier 1-2 tanks however, are fast enough to pull off the daring flanks needed to kill tier 3 tanks. This makes the difference in power/tech between 1-3 far less egregious than the difference seen in 3-5.
Still, rating 3 players would have the advantage. So I would suggest ensuring that rating 1-2 players have easy access to Anti tank weapons. Perhaps lowering the BR for the various RPGs would be enough.
In summary:
The balance problem between the ratings are not the weapons so much as the vehicles. BR 3 can not really fight 5…but BR 1 can reasonably fight 3. Thus 1, 2, and 3 should be qued together for reasonable balance.