If id software are unwilling to return classic duel to QC I have a suggestion for the new mode that might make it more fun. I think if we swap the positions of the weapons to the major items like the Mega Health and Red Armour the mode can play more like a 1v1 hungergame-esque opening with a rush to the weapons and change it so you take more damage while unarmoured. Gives two clear ways of playing, either all out aggressive to grab the weapons or all out passive and stacking up and hiding. Then after that opening the game is played like a duel.

EDIT: I should clarify and mean to say that weapons should be placed in the most vulnerable positions especially near the centre of the map or in between the spawns.