Don't let the others get you down. HoL glads have better stats yes, but they are not so far superior as to be unbalanced or unbeatable. They are also rare, the vast majority of your matchups will not be against them. There are original non-HoL gladiators alive today that do well. Think of it as something to aspire towards, not a roadblock.

Good luck in the Pit!

-Nate-