This is the game where skill means a lot. And by "a lot" I mean almost everything. Sure, lucky shots happen everywhere, lags and high ping can bring you down, but a good warrior is determined not only by his accuracy, but by the way he thinks on the battlefield, and most importantly -- by the way he moves there.

And Movement is something one can spend a lifetime to master. Movement is the key element here as velocity plays a crucial role in understanding game mechanics and unbelievable tricks people are doing here and there. Remember, it's much harder to hit a fast moving target.

QuakeLIVE is an absolutely fantastic experience, it's all about pushing the limits. Your patience limits most of the times. And if you work hard on developing your skills, you'll become a much better warrior.
Just keep training, and never give it up. That's it!

Good luck on Arena!

UPD: As long as the Oct 15 update have broken the ELO ratings, prev. established friendlists and clans, UI and stuff -- the game's still a great example of how old (but gold!) decent game mechanics can work throughout the years, even in modern era of gaming.