Crystalline Conflict Assigned Incorrect Starting Rank (more information)

[Nezerius]

This is a normal occurrence to tighten the initial pool of players. I was somewhere around Diamond but got put into Gold 1 as well, its the highest one after a season start.

To be fair to the OP, I can see why this would be confusing, if it is indeed the normal occurrence going from season to season. Considering this is how SE words it in the season 5 commencement post on the Lodestone:

This is the same line they've used for every season except season 3, which is when everyone got reset to bronze.

[Sinstrel]

That is normal

The patch notes state I will be placed 5 risers lower than the rank I finished in the previous season, not 9 risers lower. How is this normal? I have 4 characters at Crystal rank on the same server in the past season and they all start at Diamond 5 except this one.

This is a normal occurrence to tighten the initial pool of players. I was somewhere around Diamond but got put into Gold 1 as well, its the highest one after a season start.

No, this is not normal. After reaching Crystal rank, 5 risers below will be Diamond 5, not Gold 1.

To be fair to the OP, I can see why this would be confusing, if it is indeed the normal occurrence going from season to season. Considering this is how SE words it in the season 5 commencement post on the Lodestone:

This is the same line they've used for every season except season 3, which is when everyone got reset to bronze.

I am not confused! 5 risers below crystal rank is Diamond 5, no stars. Not gold 1!