The Ups and Downs of Arena PvP

1256. That is where our 3v3 team stands, after something like 40 straight arena matches over the past few days. We want desperately to break into the 1300s, because it is there that we finally become eligible to purchase the first major piece of the Wrathful gear (belt). Yet, the best we have managed was to get to 1295, and then quickly bumped back down again. The most frustrating part of all of this is the Arena system's seemingly inexplicable allocation of team rating points at the end of a match. I don't pretend to call myself an expert on this subject by any means, and I imagine it is "working as intended," to quote a cliched line often stated by game CSRs. But, when we see teams lower than our "matchmaking rating" receiving +45 points after beating us, and then our team only receiving +5 for besting a team that was ranked slightly less than us, it certainly makes me scratch my head. For a layman, it really seems that point allocation is being given out unfairly. We've even seen teams ranked higher than us, that lose ZERO points when we beat them! I just don't get it.

We had a great run a couple nights ago, and advanced by over 100 points in rating, but since entering the 1200s, we are at an impasse. Each time we get close to 1300 (i.e. one win away from it), we always get beaten. It is not for lack of gear - we are fully geared as best as honor and Arena Points can allow - my DK is 3/5 in Relentless with all the other slots filled out with the Wrathful gear that can be bought with honor. The other two members of our team are similarly equipped. We should be able to do well, right?

Perhaps our composition is not the strongest out there (Unholy DK, Boomkin and Resto Shammy), but we are doing it because it is what we like. We have had a few moments where we shine, but there are quite obviously some comps that are more than a match for us. We give it our all each time, though, and hopefully we will break the 1300 level that is standing in our way.

I am very much looking forward to the ranked BGs that are coming with the Cataclysm expansion - I love BGs, but currently there is little incentive for doing them aside from once a day for the 25 arena points (and honor if I need it). For now, if we want to get the best gear, we need to continue on in Arena.

I'd love to hear some constructive criticism of this posting (if there is anyone out there that sees this blog yet - I don't believe it is easily findable on a google search yet). So, if you have anything to offer, please speak up!