^ it's not true at all bro... I don't even want to mention what I went though while I was playing on garena...
There are different categories of playing dota on LA.
You can basically play all type of games you wish to which will fit your skill level, and as time goes on you'll get more psr and get into a higher level. The only problem is getting enough psr in your first games in order to get advanced in other games with normal people.
In ~1650+ (talking about the current situation) you can find decent games with good players who will teamwork. Tonight I played 3 games and I enjoyed all of them since there were nice combats, good teamfights, supporters doing their role, ganking in early game etc.