What about taking the boring rating system to a new level and implement Leagues like in the most popular video games. They seem to inspire competition and most people play just so they can join a higher league. Then there are seasons and rating decay for inactivity.
I think Chess should benefit from these features which have been researched and implemented in all major video games because they work.
I think Chess should benefit from these features which have been researched and implemented in all major video games because they work.