Single Comment

There isn't a simple formula for calculating the ratings. They are
calculated by a complex algorithm. That is described on the ratings page.

There is no strict line between provisional ratings and regular ratings.
The same algorithm is used to calculate all ratings. You can consult the
number of games played by each player as a guide to the trustworthiness of
the ratings.

Ratings are meaningful only relative to each other. Your suggestions about
using computer players to set standards for what the ratings mean could not
be implemented without destroying what the ratings already mean. Besides
that, it would be wholly impractical, given the large number of games
available here, and given that Zillions of Games, the only software
available for playing most of the games here, does not let users set ply
levels.