Maybe your so called #4 guy matches up well against the opponent and your #1 matches up well in game 4 against the next opponent and should win that game easily !
In a 162 game season the rotation is going to get out of sync and #1's will face #5's all the time.
It's like the closer BS where the closer only pitches the 9th and not when most needed, like in a jam in the 7th.
Set your rotation for the playoffs ( if you get there) not game 1, pitch who matches up best if the opponent is going to go by rank/reputation. Toss your rookie against the ace if you think you are overmatched and let your ace blow away a weaker pitcher.....maybe your rookie pitches good and wins ?
its all an ego trip for these overpaid guys to get that 1st day start or save chance. You don't even know who your ace is until midseason in many cases.