You raise an excellent point about the ranking dynamics. The heavy penalty for losing to a lower-ranked player can indeed discourage higher-ranked players from accepting such games, which isn't ideal for fostering a vibrant and inclusive player community. It’s true that this might leave lower-ranked players feeling frustrated or excluded, and that doesn’t help anyone in the long run.
Adjusting the scoring system to make it less punishing for higher-ranked players could definitely encourage more matches across all skill levels. For instance, a system that considers factors like the margin of victory or the quality of play (rather than just win/loss outcomes) might create a fairer balance. Another option could be to reduce the ranking impact of these matches slightly while still rewarding risk-taking and participation.
Ultimately, a system that motivates everyone to play with everyone is better for the growth of the community and for the fun of the game. I think many players would agree with your suggestion for some rebalancing—after all, curling is about strategy and sportsmanship, not just rankings!