The arena tourney feature is in CoH in almost the exact method you describe.
I am afraid CoH is to me what AA is for you all :) I didn't know that though, and I think it's safe to say that this kind of matchmaking/ranking thing is a NCsoft trademark. I really appreciate it.
If this was universally true, Atari would not have had to scrape Horizons off of its boots.
Touchée :) Anyway, in a Diablo kind of game, I welcome a higher degree of customization.
As would I. I am eyeing Hellgate while trying to keep my expectations low.
Artifact/Tulga added the ability to for crafters to use different models for end products in Horizons, such as a serrated blade or a fancy hilt on a sword. I thought that was a great idea, but by then there were no more players. All this proves is that we are niche. In fact, I should be honest and say that the only reason I don't have a HZ account right now is due to their combat revamp (grind++), plus the absence of my guild.
Why am I homeless? Why do all you motherfuckers need homes is the real question. They called it The Prayer, its answer was law Mommy come back 'cause the water's all gone