No one is making it into Champ 1 these days, it is just too hard and the incentive isn't there. It is a struggle to get into Champion at all and I have never made it into the coveted C2, where I won't drop to the bottom of diamond :D
At the moment, I am enjoying playing, though I know a few who are "played out" but are still investing. They say it is too stressful to play - but I find it relaxing.