Ranked 3.0 easier than ranked 2.0?

I last played in y10s4 and reached a peak of Platinum 5, now I just achieved same rank of Platinum 5 and it was soooooo much easier - the opponents I'm facing feel like the opponents I would play in Gold 5 in ranked 2.0 (one full division lower).

What's the reason behind that? I currently have 2 theories:

ELO inflation because of recent changes that made it easier to rank up - this is supported by plat 5 currently being top 23% in contrast to being too 16% in y10s4 OR removing hidden mmr made me play less high plats/emeralds who could get a lose streak and go down to my hidden mmr in ranked 2.0.

u/iafnn — 3 months ago