When simulation is on Pro and driving aids are disabled completely along with driving line not allowed, I believe the experience players will be able to distance themselves real quickly from the less experienced drivers.
I think part of the punting that is happening is in part due to having the driving line during online play. Those relying on the line usually won't give it up and continue to drive it always, never adjusting, and fighting to keep it. It's like driving with the AI again.
Somehow my guts tell me, the driving line feature needs to be removed from online play, at least for Pro mode. There's no invisiable driving lines in real life, that alone should be another reason to disable it. As realistic as we try to be, this shouldn't be included during online racing. In time trails and practice runs...ok, but I don't think it belongs in online Live racing.