Is the Catalan good for lower levels?

So i've been messing around with the Catalan at like sub 1200 levels and it feels good because no one actually knows the theory to mess with your setup and the only people I've played who take the pawn are after I go for a Catalan setup in the QGA. In fact many of my opponents don't respect the bishop that is going to g2 and often play very weakening moves like c5 b5 etc and get crushed. Is this just me? Should I still be playing the Catalan? Thanks