It's subjective. A 'bad' model depends on who you play, what they play, the results, your skill level, their skill, and prolly a dozen other factors...it seems if you are winning the majority of your games by wide margins, it has little to do with handicaping yourself. Because at bigger events and tourments your not going to be handicapping yourself obviously. It seems you have figured out the ways to deal with your current play group ( I could be wrong) and need some new blood. Have you considered teaching and training your play group? Share that info that makes you successful? I know it's hard to find new players, but taking a subjectively 'poor' model and playing against your group seems to say, " I'm so good I'm taking garbage against you to make it a fair or better game for me." I'm of the opinion that you play a wargame with your opponent, not against him. You seem very knowledgable 'bout Malifaux and I'm sure could be a helpful mentor to make better players all over. What tourneys do you attend btw?