There doesn't have to be a huge level discrepancy for the equipment to be completely unfair. At level 28, with a level 20 mech, my fights with 20/20 bots are one-sided at best and to poor sap who is level 18 or 19 is just wasting their time. All I've done is take my time and plan my purchases. My level 20 mech has gotten me to a level 31 opponent on the single player game too, even though I'm just barely level 28. Perhaps an option to check out your opponent and decline the match would be better, or just being able to see how many mechs in your particular range (instead of the graphic) would be more helpful.