one thing I have definately noticed with the ratings system is that it definately discourages the high BKR's to NOT play against the lower ratings as they have little or nothing to gain and much to lose. Consequently, when they set up a game in the waiting room, they will set the required rating so high that the lower ratings wont even see the waiting games and cannot join.
Although this is fine, these people come unstuck when they play in tourneys and have no control who they play.

I do however find it interesting why someone who is a known (by admission) program user would start questioning ratings systems etc. Maybe it would be fairer to have Fencer reset your BKR Chessmaster so that you can start out playing fairly all the time.
Do you still use programs?