Any tips for a return player

I have stopped playing MAA for several years. I realize a lot has changed. It seems that PVP is getting more difficult. A win can only get you a single digit increase in rating. One lose in defensive battle cost you -1x in rating. Alright, I don't really lose in offensive battles at all. However, my PVP ratings suffer due to the update. Back in the days, I reached diamond with no effort. If I spend a little more time, I would get to vibranium. Now I can't even reach Gold easily. WTF is wrong with playdom.

p.s. At the time I left, the use of Captain Britain and Hercules was rampant.