Is the ELO ranking a better gauge of player abilities?

[Kelen]

Also, surely if everyone adhered to the theory that it's only worthwhile challenging players with an ELO of the same or higher than you then very few people are going to a) get games, and b) progress.

You would be reluctant to challenge someone equal to you because, (as I understand it), the score advance wouldn't be much if you won; and you would be very reluctant to accept a challenge from anyone lower than you because if you did lose, you ELO rating would suffer more.

Seems to be just play the game for fun. OK it's nice to see your score, (whatever one you are looking at), advance, but don't get hung up over it.