I was recently trying to start a new game and attempted to send out an invitation for players in the 1200-1400 range for an unrated game. The application however informed me that any invitation must include my own rating in the range set. I was wondering why this is necessary. Obviously for the bulk of games pitting players of equal standing against one another is preferable as it provides a greater challenge for all involved. For this reason I can fully understand why the default ranges are 300pts either side of your own rating. However, why must it be a rigid rule that I am not allowed to invite a game against other opponents?

Games against players of different abilities can provide their own challenges and interest. With the style of lower rated opponents often being wilder and more tactical than middle graded players. One of the charms of this site that originally captured my attention was the fact that the playing group was so varied in culture, background, age, ability and approach to chess. This recent enforcement of games between similar opponents seems, to me at least, to have limited this rich experience. Therefore, I would like to know why I cannot set up such a game if (my opponent) and I so wish?

Am I missing the way of doing this? What are other players' and administrators' thoughts on this?

Yes, one of the reasons game seeks are restricted to include your own rating is to prevent players from intentionally playing the weakest players and trying to beat them over and over again, game by game to increase their ratings which of course would not be very fair.

Also, if players would only play opponents rated lower or higher then themselves then no one would be able to find a game with anyone else. With seeks including your own rating range it makes it easy for all level of players to find games.