LOL, I raised this issue a long time ago, suggesting that HotA shouldn't affect the ranking. Because some players (who play HotA) have an advantage over others (who don't play HotA) in terms of ranking (especially in seasonal rankings! where everyone starts with 1500 points - even the worst players, forgive me :D). Besides, the early stages of HotA tournaments are held, as I understand it, with a system where you choose your own opponent (and farm points).