Lichess Matchmaking

Matchmaking here on Lichess is horrible. I just cant understand how I (usually around a 1200) am paired with 1800, and 1900 rated platers in tournaments when there are players closer to my rating just spectating.

In tournaments you are matched with players closest to your position in the tourney. So if you are in 150th place, your ideal match would be in 149th place or 151st place, regardless of their rating.

Players who are spectating may not be waiting for a match, they may be paused.

Thank you, this makes much more sense now.