I've run into Open "allstars" who have better skills than a few invite teams I've played against.
The key to advancing from Intermediate to Main is really teamwork. It's a long process, finding members you're comfortable with, and actually having them all develop a keen in-game sense, as well as being a good shot.
Open and Intermediate are for your regular CS players. Those teams with strategies that are executed like clockwork are the ones that make it to Main and Invite. You pretty much have to trust everyone on your team, there cannot be conflict amongst anyone, as that leads to resentment, which can totally ruin matches, and everyone needs to be obedient and follow instructions to the strat caller.
Someone who's only been playing for a few weeks or a few months should look to find other people who are willing to start out at the bottom with them. Your team needs to be a family, pretty much. You shouldn't have Main or Invite on your mind now, you should focus on honing your own personal skills, and having fun! Check out Open, get your friends to play with you- Another key, having actual real life friends on your team can improve cooperation and in game relationships.
Anyway, enough ranting for me, just reminiscing. I can't play seriously anymore, cause of my new job
