Yet another getting into AoE2 question

Sc2 player here (Plat/Dia). I would like to start playing AoE2 on Steam when DE comes out in november.

I only play 1v1 and I wan't to rely entirely on the matchmaking system (ranked play). I don't like to play team games or "custom" games with specific people.

What do you think (or know), will there be enough low level players that playing ranked makes sense for a newb who wants to improve?

I don't mind losing a lot at first as long as I play somewhat fair games, from which I can learn.
What I do mind though is getting continuously hopelessly owned by smurfs or getting matched against way better players because of a too small player base.