It's only your estimation right? From the two teams I have, a more accurate estimation is they have narrowed down the gap between the best 14 and the league opponents.
I have heard it from a couple of friends as well, mate. Thus, no. Not my singly guesstimation. Some guy told, he even paired with 90%-100% teams after finishing the season with 60% of best 14. It’s possible they have removed the inactive abandoned teams as well.