Chess 960 isn't going to change that. Plus I bet a player would have only a minor effect on his rating (the improvement might be slower) from playing 1. a4 any

Chess 960 isn't going to change that. Plus I bet a player would have only a minor effect on his rating (the improvement might be slower) from playing 1. a4 any except 1.. e5 or 1.. e6, 2. Ra3 every game.