I like the idea for Utopia, because that are veteran managers mostly.
But for a starter it is far more fun to win, than to lose.
Specially in the beginning when you haven't figured out a lot, competing with veterans is harsh. When I started I played mostly against bots, I had no problem with that. I had time to figure things out and was still winning. After promotion the second season, I found out how difficult the game really is, but that was just interesting.
Get people hooked up in the game, by winning and than, after a season bring them in a mostly human league. That is my advice.
Only in the dark, we succeed!