It is really benefitial for you to play opponents who are higher rated than you so that after the game you can review the game with your higher rated opponent and they can show you where you went wrong during the game, help you to learn from your mistakes, and they can show you how they think during a game, decide on moves, and formulate plans during the game.
I love playing higher rated opponents and I try to do it as often as possible to help improve my chess play. 
why would someone rated below 1200 want to play a 20002500 rated player, i like a challenge but thats chess suicide.....