I know what you mean, Bluey. The thread title sucked me in.
I'm getting disillusioned that in the competitive sport I am most passionate about the actual competition is inherently unfair before it starts, that competitors would curb their competitiveness for any reason at all, and that many supporters promote curbing competitiveness. (Then rip into players personally for not performing, but that's another quirky point for another topic).
Your system may be better. I don't know if it would stop tanking though. May curb it a bit, may not.
Not being the best you can be right now seems to be a part of the game now, unfortunately.