Thanks!

When newer players start out, and the very first game they play is against a team with two smurfs on it, they tend to be a bit discouraged. It's not good for a game when the incoming population essentially gets the message that they aren't good enough to play this game, especially on the very first one they play.

Then again, I remember my first game. I got stomped by what I would now say were obviously smurfs, and that motivated me to play more so I could get better.

Then again, I'm strange. Or, at least, not among the majority.

I suppose they can be, for example if they're the type of person who supports their team and makes lots of constructive criticism and gives plenty of advice to friend and foe.

Unfortunately, most of the people who smurf are not the type to do that; they're the type who like to go 30/0/5 as Katarina and laugh at the newbie and their stun-less team.