OFB-13

My point is that even if a newcomer meets the rating requirement, it might still be too early for them to play in a tournament with the strongest players (this effectively takes away a slot from a very strong player).

There are always more strong players than available slots in the Factions Battle. Every year, some new players participate in the Factions Battle, including winners of the Novice tournament. Where else can a newcomer play against strong players if not in the Factions Battle, if the newcomer has earned the right to participate in the Factions Battle?