I am missing only 3 of the badges: 1,2,3. It seems those who receive that badge are using some form of game bot to play the game for them in unrealistic times. Microsoft has the knowledge to see if someone is using a BOT or playing on their own. Perhaps Microsoft should have two levels of play 1. Honest Players 2. Bot Players. On average my games are 2 minutes with 30 games that is a minimum of an hour. But I also have a life that medically requires me to get up from the computer and that time away is added into the game play time. It asks me at the end of my answers / responses each time if the other persons information "solved my problem" and they give me five stars. I have to say Terry, ten stars for stepping up however, for the Microsoft forum bot / monitor I had to give 1 star because you and I both still have the same problem. Being ignored.
I'm also in my 50's and I play the tournaments to challenge myself. I've played just over 300 games and landed 1st and 2nd over 100 times (in my group). Honestly, I would have no idea how to cheat - and no inclination to do it. There's no challenge in cheating.
I do suspect that some of the top rankers have cheated, but having improved since the first few games, and having 1st place through sheer luck (getting the right combo of plays the first time), it's possible that some of the top 100's have actually earned their places. I hope they have. But if they haven't, well, they know and I can't imagine that landing in 1st place has quite the same feeling as when those of us who play honestly see that golden number one.
as a side note: time is not added to your game when you take a break. I take them every 15 minutes or so. Just back out of the game, and start again. The advertisements don't add to the game play, neither does the loading time. It's just the time you keep the screen open on an active game that the timer is on.