Is the ELO ranking a better gauge of player abilities?

[herroberst]

I admit I do not pay that much attention to the rankings bit. The ELO description was interesting. I am on the "front page, 5th down" in terms of games played but many pages down by ELO ranking. I do play new guys when they post a challenge sometimes offering advice or otherwise mentoring. Many of them kick my butt in the game, especially the ones that want Italy '43 flat terrain they get tigers and I dont' kind of games... but I see it as a challenge. Maybe I should start challenging by ELO ranking.