The amount (and tier) of runes should be limited to the average level of the players on both teams when playing in normal games. This would prevents people with higher levels having an advantage via runes over the other players in the game, and would overall lead to more balanced gameplay. Nobody likes a smurf. Especially for lower level players, this can ruin what would otherwise be a good game.
You do realize that this would do nothing to combat against the problem of smurfing? In fact, it would be detrimental.
The definition of a smurf is a high level player who has created a low level account to play with other low level people. These smurfs win by their experience and knowledge, not by having better runes. Riot's method to solve this problem is by putting those with unnaturally high MMR against opponents of higher levels in hopes that it will balance out.
By removing the higher tier runes, you are just giving the smurfs a further edge in their matches. I am fine with having LoL a game dependent on only merits; however, a better way to do it is just to reduce the cost of runes and time to get full masteries so EVERYONE will be on a leveled playing-field.
People always think of balance by nerfing some aspect or component in the game, while in actuality, it can go both ways. Rather than taking the risky move to nerf runes, why not just buff everyone else?
