Dedicated servers only on un-ranked games, ranked games will go through the same matchmaking lobbies as MW2
Source http://community.callofduty.com/thread/4682
dave ranked doesnt matter dedis have everything unlocked
so unless the admin has took off something you can start game join dedi and have everything straight off the bat
how is this not good and the potential for it is awesome no rank advantage , at a click you can have everyone use a certain weapon so say snipers only , or not use all noob weapons like tubes and silly perks it really it basically a good idea.
also in mw2 you could rank up in a few days anyway so you have every option . its better not worse. no need for mods for comp side just go ak47 small smg 1 nade smoke 13 rounds start very well thought out tbh