Teaming is the only way to beat high ranked players. Since there is no other balancing in the game I would team them too if I had a low rank. ...but , yes, of course its gay^^
I should explain: I worked up to rank 27 by grinding it out over 400+ games. I got stomped by lots and lots of higher ranks but I scratched out some wins too. Mostly I got very good at taking 2nd place in a 4 player game.
It was frustrating and I was ready to quit. So I threw down $0.99 just to try the upgrade and it made all the difference. Way more fun.
Don't make yourself crazy over a game, not when it's so cheap to level the playing field.
~Stat point distribution -2/3 into reproduction -1/3 into strength After Reproduction is maxed, max out strength, then start putting points into your speed stat.
This is the most effective strategy I have found when ranking up. I recommend buying 25 stat points when starting the game, and putting 17 into reproduction and 8 into strength, according to the strategy and should win you fairly most games.