As for the Cup it is now down to only +1 difference ...it used to be a lot more btw
That's not necessary good.
A monster team (of those who used the loan trick and now are tanking, playing only in asso games and cup), the old times could play vs teams of +2 or +3 levels with same starting quality.
Now the max oppo they have is from +1 lv.
Without quality as austere criterion.