Vikings: I agree. I had posted a message about the way I think it should be for the stairs system to work. Forcing you to challenge at same level or *below* is a weird system for a stair/ladder. Lower ranked players thirst for challenge, higher ranked players, not so much.
I do not like IYT ladder system, as it is unfair to *exchange* positions with the one you defeat. Gaining a step(for the winner of the lower step) and losing a step(for the loser of the higher step) is what I consider fair. And, in my opinion, the lower ranked player should not lose steps on defeat as well as the higher ranked player does not gain steps on win.
So, basically, you only gain steps when you win against same or higher steps, you only lose steps when you lose against lower steps. You cannot deny challenges but a limit on the maximum number you can challenge and be challenged should exist. More than 1 each, for certain.