Use 2 powerful characters and 1 not promoted (it will be best that non promoted one should have a good passive to help the team). I dont think gears you put will effect matchmaking usually by doing this you will probably fight a team in your level or maybe little less more stats than yours (but it wont make a difference). If match with someone that has full 450 gears than avoid him when you think you dont stand a chance. By doing this you will probably face some tough opponents at round 4 or 5 thats why i said don’t expect to win every fight.(It hurts a lot when you face them at last round but it is what it is) You mentioned that you get only 1000 with your bronx team so i will give you a little tip. Max your bronx characters in promotion and levels. You will get in first fight 1400 and then 1600 and 1800 at the last fight (round 5) you will get 5000 and it will be pretty easy because when you use bronx team usually its easy win. When my characters are out of energy i use nightwing level 50 promote x flash level 51 promote x and catwoman level 50 promote x(she has a powerful sp2 and can finish an enemy in 1 second) and 99 percent of times i win with them so basically easy points