Implement dynamic min & max rank for game entry
http://planets.nu/#/activity/1519012
The min and max rank for players entering a game are static. Once set, they remain where they are for the duration of the game. This can cause problems when new players join the game. I've seen a newbie player enter a beginner game near the end, and completely change the balance of the game.
My suggestion is that, after the game starts, the min rank be set to the lowest rank (or possibly one lower) of an active player, and that the max rank be set to the highest rank (or possibly one higher) of an active player. This will reduce the chances that an incoming player will significantly alter the overall balance of the game through inexperience or excessive experience.
In addition, I believe it will reduce the late game cheating, where a player enters a game as a second race, for the purpose of gathering additional information.
While I don't believe that this is a complete solution to either of the above, it will reduce the number of occurrences, creating a better experience for the active players.