A lot of the problems I used to have with SBMM when I would still actually play CoD is that you’d have one good game and then next thing you know you’re playing the next couples matches with people who absolutely mollywhomp you into the dirt with ease.

It just wasn’t fun and felt like it was actively punishing you for playing good one time.

I wouldn't...I like the struggle. It's only fun to dominate when it feels earned, I want to feel like I'm playing at my best more than anything

TL;DR: it felt like there was no 'casual' mode

I would run into an issue where I would use 1 meta load out and would hold around a 1.0 k/d, but if I ever wanted to experiment and try some other guns or unlock some new attachments I would get absolutely shredded. I would do this for a few matches, unlock whatever I was trying to unlock, and then switch back to my most efficient load out and absolutely shred the lobby I was playing in for a few games until I averaged back to a 1.0 k/d.

I felt like the only multiplayer option was 'competitive' and I couldn't really experiment with things without getting my shit pushed in.

For an IRL comparison: I play pickleball from time to time and if I casually play someone at or slightly below my skill level I can experiment a little (try landing shots in different places, work on forehand vs. backhand, etc.), but if I play in a competitive tournament and go up against a pro they will absolutely kick my ass in record time (and that's okay lol).

I personally don't hate SBMM, but I hate that it is the only option in modern competitive games. When I want to sweat, SBMM is great.

But sometimes, I want to goof off with other people. I want the option to play de_westwood pistol/shotgun only server again if I so choose.

I want a little bit of control in my gameplay experience. Nowadays, it's either ultra try hard or people not giving a shit mode, nothing in between.