Indeed
If someone set his weaker players in first squad, he will play with the weaker team of the other group.
But some group-mate will have a disadvantage vs a stronger opponent.
I experimented this. I got opponents who manipulated starting 11 quality just like me. On other occasions I got weakest opponent of the opposing association.
But on every occasion some other association member had to suffer because of this.
So I don't do this.