A Fall From Grace: Seasons and Normal Matchmaking

I am a silver ranked player because I can't get out of it, no matter the effort applied. It doesn't matter the research, tactics, teams, or methods tried and tested to get out of the ranks. Silver is where I remain to the point where I'm comfortable with my own inadequacy. I spend my times playing normal matchmaking, having fun and cooperating with random teams despite aggression and hostility aimed at me. I can honestly say that I have fun most of the time even though I'm a mediocre player in terms of skill.

All of this means nothing when each new season hits for the first time.

Suddenly, everything I hold dear about League is shattered in the face of dominating opponents. Normal matchmaking becomes a nightmare where every action becomes a mistake, every solo player just another victim to far superior teams. The world falls apart and everything I know is overruled by a newer set of rules, all the learned tactics and research deemed irrelevant in the face of change. I try to adapt to the changes and the newer, greater enemies in an attempt to rise to the challenge and still have fun.

I cannot and it troubles me greatly.

I've pondered over this dilemma and can find no solution save hibernation. I cannot simply change my skill level on a whim to match these new enemies and I cannot bear to play with loss a certainty. I could rant and rave against these opponents for being so skilled but such a thing is irrelevant. I could simply ignore the losses and play the game without thinking about it but it feels empty to play in such a way. What fun is there to be had in constant defeat and misery? What fun is there in an arrogant opponent who flaunts his superiority?

What fun is there I keep asking myself even as my eyes close, sleep taking me away from the pain until a better dawn comes.