Don't start a flamewar guys :/, We are talking about a game here, not who is better.
Halo 3 is based on the Microsoft Trueskill system, It's not suprising you had to play 30 some games to go up a level. You might want to read up on it, but I'll try to breifly explain it.
The Trueskill system used in H3 is different then the more advanced leveling system that worked in H2. Halo 2 would actually analyze gameplay, flag scores, kills, deaths and other important factors. It would level you up or down based on your current level and how well you were playing in the games, In Halo 2, a 27-33 skill range was probably 40+ in Halo 3.
Halo 3's leveling system is different and really annoying. It works simply by your win's and losses. Halo 3 has this thing called sigma, You start out with a really high sigma, It gradually lowers and evens out per game you play. If you were to keep on winning, it raises your sigma which will raise your level quicker. In this case, You've probably played a lot of team slayer or something if you aren't going up levels after a ton of games. I am guessing you have lost a lot which dragged down your sigma and is keeping you from going up levels.
As for Halo 3, If you don't have a good connection, you aren't going to get a 50. The game's network model CAN BE BETTER, But in my opinion, the host is majorly stacked compared to Halo 2. If your team has connection host, you have a good chance of winning as long as he is decent.
For playlist suggestions, I started out in teamslayer, got to about a 36 before I lost a lot and dropped down to 30 or so. I lacked teamates that could actually play the game so I started lonewolves. Went from 1-45 with very few loses over a period of a few days, Couldn't get past 47 which is where I am at now.
Got my 50 in Team Doubles, Small, but easy to direct around someone or play with someone you know and trust. However most people seem to boost their levels in that now, so don't be suprised if you run into some really good people on new accounts that are level 15-20. Always happens, you'll get frustrated, I guarantee.
Took 13 games
straight(of first place), to go from level 49-50. Two hours or so just for a level, winning each one. Was tough, but then again, my sigma for Doubles wasn't the best. I blame Mr.Sigma-LS on here, Was all his fault
, My early days in doubles were tarnished because of him(or Sid from NAS).
Best of luck,
-Doom
Edit:Quick Note, I don't play SWAT/Snipers at all because my typical connection to LIVE absolutly blows, it's no fun when your headshots produce blood but nothing happens to them, same with getting sniped and br'd through walls and around corners :0
