About TTK and arsenals (and other things)...

Just started reading the patch notes (at Apex Legends™: Takeover Patch Notes | EA Forums - 11885383)

This part really stood out:

This new meta is cooking and it’s safe to say that this anniversary season flips the season of Support to one of aggression. Coupled with some strong updates for Armor and Helmets, greater access to weapons with the new Arsenals, and reduced visual clutter and time-to-kill has never been faster. 

This signals that the fastest-ever TTK  is definitely an intentional change. But IMO it should be much better communicated whether this is all going to be a permanent change or whether some or all of it is going to be toned down in 12 weeks, for the next season (are Skirmishers getting a boost next? Recon and Controller have both had boosts recently, with threat vision for all Recons and extra shields while in the Ring for Controllers). Support only received a minor nerf at the start of this season, with the double-strength shield cells/syringes bonus and faster movement while healing being removed.

I have friends who have been playing the game for years longer than I have, but who play relatively little now. Their mood was already soured due to one of them being shut out from the game due to Linux ban, meaning I play even more with randoms already, reducing engagement and commitment to the game. This already soured me some on paying in more real money, but now the remaining ones of those friends are even less motivated to play because the fast TTKs make it even harder for casuals.