Don't allow rated games to have a choice of sides

For rated games, I don't think anyone should be able to pick a side. I often see in my list players trying to play rated games starting from white. It just fills up the list and takes away from the rated game experience. Please only allow side choice for non-rated games.

This makes sense. I think that's a very good idea.

Nobody is forcing you to play them. I don't really see the problem.

That isn't true for all variants. But if you're talking about standard, it's probably because both sides are pretty equal at the beginning. You can always make your own games with random sides, play in pools or tournaments to avoid it.

It would be nice if they added that.

Good idea!
I often take these offers (as black) because I just want to play and there are no other offers, but feel that this is kind of unfair.
"Rating" should reflect playing ability with both sides, you can't offer a rated game with knight handicap either and especially for variants the choice of colour is a handicap.
Not to mention that you NEVER get a revanche.

I absolutely agree with this.
In standard too; but especially in things like anti-chess. A lot of people run the E3 always wins as white game; which if played perfectly is 100% impossible to beat.

However, I'd say the counter-argument would be:
Then youd have players constantly starting games and aborting (or not moving) because they dont want white.

I feel like the answer to this would be: Just like tournament play; if you dont move within 35 seconds upon the game opening; you lose.

breakreign, I agree with you. Just have this rule only enforced for rated games.