I wouldn't consider myself top echelon pilot. I also wouldn't consider myself a doe eyed noob. I've participated in KOTH and while never gaining Wabbit status, or winning an event, I have been able to win individual rounds against some of the "top sticks".
When I die, it's usually because I made a mistake. When I get a kill, it's normally because the other guy made a mistake. Being that we're all human, the winner will be decided by who makes the least mistakes.
If you only ever play against people as good or worse than you, you'll never get any better because you have nothing pushing you. Perhaps rather than lamenting the fact someone out flew you, try and learn what you did wrong that allowed them to beat you. I honestly find it hilarious the main argument against this is "Someone is better than me, so I won't play!" C'mon guys, really?
I'll have no problem joining up a F2P tourney regardless of who's in the fight.