.UK used to make barbs the same way .NL does, so I have observed the improvement of game play myself and that is what my opinion is based on.
I just think its stupid to have so many random factors contributed to the round. We already have luck from -25% - +25% in attacks, do we really need to have luck in our locations as well?
Its very simple, more barbs = a level playing field for all, meaning more competition, more competition requires more skill. The level scales, those who were great players and those who were bad players will still be great and bad players, skill wise nothing should change. It simply decreases the chance of winning by luck, it gives a more accurate end result.
It takes a really great player to build a defense from start to finish that is stronger than offense, therefore the problem you have anticipated will not be as bad as you think. Eventually defense is always stronger than offense but I guess you'd have to make some new choices to figure a way around the problem
I can think of a few tactics immediately.
As you say "with less recources there will be more choices to make", that is very true. But the end result will be the same if you're fighting a player who has a good area, so all these choices and options (what you call skill) generally means nothing if you are fighting a competent player.
Of course, there are exceptions with everything in life so don't take each statement as literal. Sure a player with a bad area and good build can defeat a player with a good area, but far too often this is not the case. You seriously underestimate the advantage giving from a good area.
I played .FR before, I also play .UK, .RO, .RU and other servers. I earned some pp here and may as well use it. Why not?
Either way, as stated above, this is only a suggestion. For the sake of gameplay.