Welcome to the boards. I'm not sure if there's an exact rule for this either, however I'm pretty sure a "go to the irc" idea is common. The name list there is misleading, as you probably experienced already. Just keep checking periodically, people do show up.
So, I was wondering if anyone would like to netplay me on UNL (but before that a little guide as to what to do to start a netplay match would be nice, since I've never netplayed before
I'm afraid I don't know much about the hosting process either, as none of my ports appear to be open (damn University Internet...). But if someone else is hosting, just enter the port number they're using. The SWR Wiki has an explanation of what each option in the Vs. Network menu is, so you know which one to select.
and see how good I actually am, though I can only sometimes beat a Lunatic com, so don't expect much 
.
I can't say it's fair to judge someone by what level CPU they can beat (thus I currently have no opinion about you regardless of your performance against CPUs). You see, I'm a strong advocate of the idea that (high-difficulty) computer opponents in fighting games are
fundamentally detrimental to one's skill. Here are my reasons:
Where CPUs excel- They have frame-perfect execution for
every move (attack or not), so they'll move as fast as the game can possibly allow.
- They react to anything you do
instantly. Thus, they cannot be mindgamed in the traditional sense (i.e. anything that's not a frame trap).
Where CPUs suck- They don't appear to have any real sense of stage control. Outside of pushing you to the edge after they win a round, they won't actively try to corner you, nor will they realize when you are trying to corner them. When you are cornered, the only "blockstrings" they use appear to just be their Dial-A-Combo and occasionally bullets (which can be grazed through).
- Their in-game strategies are usually
not what you'll see humans use, nor will this teach you to handle any of those done by humans. Only playing against other people will do that.
- In spite of their unbridled speed in execution and reaction, CPUs are predictable, not to mention that they never learn from their mistakes (I can't tell you how many times CPU Aya has tried to j.2A me, only for my Utsuho to 3A her back out). In trying to beat a CPU, you'll often finding yourself developing some incredibly bad habits that work on computers but not on humans (thus your habits will get you destroyed in an actual match).
Forgive the rant, though I hope this will give you more incentive to battle other humans. Trying to play "normally" against a high-level CPU is near suicide because of the above reasons. Playing against humans is definitely the best way to get better. If all else fails, play a Normal (or Easy) CPU to practice your tech skill
only.
Right now I can only use the bunny girl (forgot her name ) effectively and am working on using Marissa, but I'm not very good with her yet, so if we do play together expect me to use the bunny girl.
The "bunny girl" is Reisen. Don't worry, I just recently memorized everyone in the cast myself (I'm somewhat new to Touhou too).
By the way, Esoterica is hosting a UNL tournament soon. If you're interested, sign up before he finalizes the brackets (by the way, a lack of personal skill shouldn't deter you from entering; if anything, you'll learn more about how the game works).
