well, the public games hurt *insert a work animal*, but there are some tricks to dodge problems.
1. As previously mentioned, join higher level lobbies. As much as we'd love to have everyone learn the game, there's simply not enough manhours in the community to try to train everyone. Still, the ones we see joining higher-level lobbies do get better chances at a good game.
2. Avoid full 1-3 level crew. One or two newbies is manageable with tutoring, but a full swabbie-crew most likely will end up hurting themselves or the captain ragequits. v.v
3. Clantags. At least the major and/or active clans are sort of an quality-degree. While not failproof, going to crew with some clanners is still better than completely randoms. Even a crew of lvl 1 with the same clantag means they are sticking together, at least in theory.
4. Join a clan yourself. There are many with no obligations, and having a recognized tag helps getting into good play. Clans also organize practices and usually fly together, which adds awesome. Note, though, that then your work will have to be up to snuff, too. You got a rep to hold! ^^