Games are random, random map, and random battle.
I say random maps, but that isn't entirely true as there are a few maps that are only for the lower tier tanks (like tier 1-3) then you get into some of the other maps, but type of battle is random.
As far as enemy tank match ups, unless you are driving a scout or a SPG, then you can be facing tanks a max. of 2 tiers above or below you. I think with scouts you can be facing up to 3 tiers above or below, and SPG it is 4 tiers.
Sounds like you may have been in a tier 3 scout and facing a tier 7 Tiger, which is legit for matchmaker.
Without a prem. account, it is going to be slower going, as I think you only get 1X the Exp and credit points, with Prem. you get 2X for your first winning battle for each tank.
Weekend they usually find an excuse to bump the creds to 3X, and sometime 5X, this past weekend was a 3X weekend.
It is a grind even with a prem. account, so I can imagine with a reg. account getting half the points. Still a blast to play though.
