Board Game Arena

Wait, I don't think that's how Arena works. In Arena you don't really "open" tables like creating regular tables...

I am new to boardgame arena. I have been playing Innovation Arena. I am at Silver level and virtually always get paired with Elite. I tried the options and selected each with increasing restriction. When I selected I refuse to play anyone far from my level I expected to probably not get any matches. Instead I was again matched with an Elite. Isn't Elite far from Silver!? Is this function working as intended? I understand this may just be the fact that virtually only elite players are seeking matches but shouldnt selecting refuse to play with someone far from my level result in no elites being matched when silver?

I am also a new player to innovation generally and ranked at apprentice in the regular game play. Does this factor at all into matching in the Arena?

Apprentice? Wait, Apprentices usually CAN'T play arena...