I have returned to the game after about 4 years. I didn't put many hours in it but i can't consider myself totally a newbie.
Everytime i play i join bronze districts, (my current level), and find that the vast mayority of players are silver or gold, and many of the silver ones have weapons with 2 or 3 lvl 3 mods.
I see very few bronze players, not surprising under these conditions.
I find it very difficult to improve. I can't imagine how it can be for someone who is entirely new to the game.
This is a problem to keep newcomers, people get frustrated quickly as they feel they don't even have the slightest chance.
I really like the game but i feel after this covid-19 lockdown people may leave as fast as they came.