The sharktank brackets will tighten up over time just like the bar for entering the HL. I've mentioned many months ago in a thread which I should dig up and post again; but suffice it to say as more players especially android continue to play CC this will be the continuing trend.

Getting owned in the HL is going to happen to most players. There are ways to lessen the blow. Obviously increasing attack/defense scores is a given but the key is managing your mafia bracket at whatever level. It is a guarantee at max mafia most will get destroyed but dropping your mafia alliance to a point you have a full contingency of better than respect items should make things better and possibly turn the losing tide. The success of such a strategy depends on key inventory (rare and boss items), utilizing a full compliment of defense buildings and finding the sweet spot alliance bracket. Most sharks swim in the 'non rat' 500 pool but the best chance for a non gold to medium gold player to survive and possibly thrive in the HL is to be a hood rat.