Bit of a chicken-egg problem, perhaps Dust would have more players if the game matching would be more balance. I think a lot of new players are quitting because of the pro pub stomping.

How is it detrimental to the spirit of New Eden? in EVE there is a distinction in security status, why not in Dust? Once out of the academy, there is only nullsec now.

To be honest, New Eden and EVE aren't the same thing. There are security levels in EVE and it makes sense because the void is policed by CONCORD and such. But as mercenaries enlisted to fight war, we're beyond authorities such as those who make highsec safe.

And it is a player's common sense which prevents someone from ganking in high sec unless they also have a death wish. Matchmaking in DUST means the game divides you instead of letting the player know that it would be absolutely irrational to fight in prototype gear in public matches.

Which is why I've been advocating for an alternative solution which DOES act in such a way that makes it force players to decide on their own not to protostomp. One solution I've come up with is to up the costs of prototype and advanced gear (prototype should cost something like a fully fitted tank, advanced like a dropship). It makes sense to me; mercenaries care only about their wallets. So why is it that currently SP is the central factor for deciding to play, not making ISK and getting rich?