IMO you can get to Gold with any character if you anti air consistently, take advantage of people who can't anti air, and you know how to deal with gimmicks (e.g., Rassenha and moves like that).
If anyone is struggling below that level I'd recommend focusing on just that. Literally don't try to play footsies at all (it will feel weird ignoring that entire part of the game), but it's honestly not necessary and even counterproductive at lower levels (e.g., if you are trying to whiff punish normals against a maniac, I guarantee you will get jumped on).
If you run into someone who is patient and won't fall for the above easily, just throw a few fireballs, walk around near them, and/or poke them a few times, and 90% will give up on being patient.