Using the Individual Performance Letter Grade for LP gains and promos.

I recently read someone describe the dilemma in solo queue in a way that really resonated in my mind. The current system treats summoners as if they were a pre-established 5 man team (you gain or lose points based on if the team wins or loses).

This really does summoners in solo queue an injustice. So I got to thinking, and realized that this would be the perfect opportunity to put Riot’s player performance ranking to great use alongside the 5 titles that you can get. The theory may not be perfect but I think Riot itself has already laid down a strong foundation upon which to build.

It would look something like this. At the end of a solo queue ranked game the letter grade that each summoner is assigned would result in the gain or loss of LP. If that letter is B or higher, the summoner will receive LP gains. Say 15 for B, 25 for A and 35 for an S (these numbers can obviously be adjusted).

If the summoner received a C or lower they would lose LP points. 5 for a C and 10 for a D. This type of individual performance based point allocation accomplishes quite a few things. For promos, Achieving a B grade or higher in 2/3 games or 3/5 for division promos means you move up.

1. Trolls or AFK’s have a significantly reduced impact on a players ranking. They will probably still have some impact since a 4v5 allows more freedom to gank lanes and more overall map pressure so a summoner may inherently die more therefore affecting the grade they will receive, but it also allows the other players to not feel completely not of control of the process. They can focus on CS’ing well and only take an engage with an opponent they know they can win. This alone will improve their end game letter rating (CS has a huge impact on letter rating)
2. It gives the end game letter rank a legitimate and quantifiable impact on game play. Right now it is purely cosmetic.
3. This to me is the most important factor. Riot has an interest in promoting the skillful progression of people who play this game. As people get better at CS’ing, engaging, team-fighting and objective control they will feel more positive when playing the game. This will probably keep people playing LoL longer and also reduce players being toxic and negative. I cannot think of any one thing that would cause players to stop and think “Should I dive under this turret, or play it safe and CS?” than a change such as this. Tying LP gains to personal performance would do so much to help players practice a positive play style and put a significant part of success or failure squarely on the shoulders of the summoner.

I know there are people that are not fond of the way the letter grades are currently applied after the game. For instance, as the jungler I don't think you get credit for dragons or barons secured. If this system were to be implemented I would trust riot to works these kinks out, and while it may never be perfect, it would definitely be better than what we have now where one DC or troll mean you're losing 10-20 points.

What are your thoughts fellow summoners?

Edit** Some good point made by fellow summoners mentioned below

I just realized that I didn't mention that the system doesn't have to completely neglect winning or losing in the scenario. In fact you could arrange it so that for a loss there will be a net loss of LP but a summoner with an A or S will lose only 3-5 points whereas someone with a D will lose the maximum allowed. The same would be applied for a scenario involving a win with higher letter gaining more LP.

The incentive to win is still there, maybe even more magnified now that your stellar performance will net you more LP if you help your team win, but if you can't pull off that win there needs to be some credence given to the fact that you performed well during the game.