I always try my available friends first. As you play with others and find them enjoyable add them as friends (there is a + sign next to their name during the game so you can send a friends request from within the game) so you have more choices on that list. I see you are in a CC with 182 members. Friend them. Another way I went and picked friends was to search for players (WGT Community menu, WGT Players) you can sort by level and even narrow it down to state or country send friend requests to those who you think you might like to play (check out their profile).
If I can't find a playing partner amongst my friends I usually join a game or set one up myself. I would not limit the search to just your level though you can learn from those above you and even from some of those below you. I have played with hacks and legends and have fun 99 percent of the time. If I run across an a**hole I just jot their name down and aboid them in the future.
I sent a friends request.