Yes, it *is* closer quality than it once was, but that is still quite a gap for some, especially if the upper level players are actively improving their teams. I totally get it, I am usually facing teams levels above me in Cup (this season closer than last 6 season, only a couple levels above me) and I lose out early. But, like Incredipede said, RL Cups are just as tough... there are Liga.1 vs. Liga.3 and the little teams usually get crushed. (I just envision me being Aue or maybe Braunschweig to the Munich I am facing. ) But they do get to maybe be on t.v. and a nice gate income.