Quote Originally Posted by Mawlzy View Post
I always thought it was a tool?

Edit: a ratchet, not the OP.
Yes, it is a tool. It's main feature is allowing a screw/bolt/etc. to be placed only in 1 direction. The OP is using the analogy to describe the de-rank protection in ranked PvP.

I understood de-rank protection was probably put in during season 1 so that everyone could play PvP for the first time and feel great that they made it to the highest rank so that they'd likely continue to que up. Then it was dialed back to Platinum 4 de-rank protection because it made for a terrible matchmaking experience but at the same time was necessary to keep Diamond and Crystal ranked ques from going into 30+ minute wait times.

Now that all players que ranked on the same data center, I honestly see no need whatsoever for de-rank protection to exist any longer.