Side supported reputation System
First, i think all is related in a player reputation and a way that a player or group can invite handpicked player one by one in a game. This seems for me the only way which work here. A side supported reputation system could for example give each player at the end of a game a way to rate (ALL player how played in a game) for example the competents, roleplay and sympathy. With this 3 parameters (it could of course more or less) summate in a each player profile other can more easy find the right player.
At least, its needed that player with a high reputation have the side right to create a hidden "public" games and invite handpicked players to join.
-
Ted commented
Some more thougts:
1. you can only rate another player when you finished and played at least 51% of the game turns. So there should be less player who drop out of a game for some reasons2. you can rate ALL player who was or are inside of a finished game
3. to find the "right" player for a new game its needed a search dialog where you can set some rank or reputation related filter. Only player will be showed up when they hit your criteria AND when they looking for a new game (profile reputation argument is needed)