Well i have spent some time playing on the EU server and i noticed something that maybe of interest for you? I believe they do match you up based on your "Service Record". When i was at the lower levels IE 1-7 or so i found nearly everybody did not have camo or 10 point captains etc.... so basically I had all the fun in the world smacking potatoes. As i got my 10 point captain every game i had 10 point captains against me and far more experienced players as they rarely sailed in a straight line, hell i hardly saw a PINK ship. I do not believe they MM on w/l but i do believe they are far more friendly to new players, and it does make sense.
Is this just a perception?
Well I guess i need someone else to start on a different server or perhaps different account?
I would be interested in other peoples experiences.
Thanks in advance.