Simply stated, the game rewards time invested as opposed to merit. So when you compare a noob or an 'elite', the noob can simply invest more time and gain better rewards.

The 'elite' still have the advantage of making more effecient use of their time, but the difference is still mitigated by the implementation of the systems themselves.

My advice to SE is to switch the whole equation around and reward merit as opposed to how much time you've invested.

SE will likely not do this however... as the raids themselves are not particularly enjoyable, but the goal of obtaining the rewards is something to be sought after. The accomplishment is always in obtaining the rewards and rarely ever in actually overcoming the challenge.

Really it is a stupid system and the only reasonable reason why such an implementation has been made is to make their content last longer. Which itself is telling and its effect upon players noticeable.