The bias for subjective quality will only be starting from the affirmative (unless there's a preconceived notion about the map like it's a 3 second grindfest and should never be ranked).
In other words, the process is, "this will be added/ranked, but if it shouldn't (for either one), why not?" The community would then have to debate over why it shouldn't, and can use this forums if they want to as well. If a minority of people just don't like the way the map was made, tough shit, they should have given input when it was in testing phase. If an overwhelming majority of players think that something just isn't really worth having ranked, then it isn't, given there's substantial reasoning for it (perhaps the Mapper refused to listen to feedback?).
We absolutely want quality maps on the selector as well. The main reason we aren't just using Steam Workshop is because the lack of moderation tools (and testing processes) for adding maps is just too much. I agree that an overwhelming flow of maps would deteriorate not just the competitive side of Momentum, but also our brand/image. We want players to play quality maps, but also be able to play the meme (bhop_freedompuppies etc) maps as well, and ensure they understand that it's unranked.
Keep in mind, maps being added is a lower bar than a map being ranked. Maps can always be ranked (or unranked, to a lot of players' disgust) after the initial approval. This allows us to be even more flexible and add potentially controversial maps for players to try out (if they miss the testing period, or future meta gamers come along and like the style) and petition for ranking.
As for releases in particular, the release schedule for maps is primarily on the weekends (pending statistical analysis of when players are most active throughout the week), which can lead to having some fun "new map release weekend tournament" events for cosmetics / extra XP as well. I'm really excited to have community-wide events for map drops, instead of making them a small "oh yeah here's 2 maps we reviewed for a month that nobody else will let you play anything else, enjoy". 🙄
Maps are the backbone to this game so it's definitely something we're putting a ton of effort into making as streamlined, upfront, and clear as possible. We want new mappers, we want old mappers to enjoy the new stuff, and overall we want enough content in the game that promotes a healthy amount of grind vs exploration. It's very important to us.
Though, I will add: if you think after all I've described that another server may have a better release process or ideology, then so be it. Momentum's goal isn't to replace existing platforms, it's to centralize the fun of it all in one spot, and grow upwards and outwards. It seems like KSF has to limit maps because they have a limited number of game servers for players to play on. We don't have this restriction. I have no doubts in the strength of competition for Momentum, and especially for new maps.
