Invested approx 50-60h lately and went from Initiate to borderline Alchemist 1.
Honestly what I see is somehow bigger discrepancy despite of much longer queue times (Initiate took less then 2 min usually to start the game -> now it regularly takes 3-5 despite me adding 3 more heroes to legend pool of mine).
Also there are much more games where people somehow play like bots = worse than I have ever seen in Initiate level. Meanwhile better players are significantly better = more coordinated, advanced movement starts to appear regularly, much better accuracy.
And finally it is sad to see so many players who get triggered by comms - you asking to change lanes because one is weaker than other, not to lose them all, or suggest some tactics and getting instant "stfu" messages or voice comms. So much less was present in lower ranks. Not sure how in Beta testing community is already so typical of Overwatch or Apex aka hero ball + any communication in soloq triggers rage and brainless comments.
p.s. I was made aware of option where you can choose more competitive queue -> somehow after ticking that I feel like I get put in games where game expects me to carry bots vs actually putting me in overall more competitive teams. Maybe a bug.